Rainfall intensity to reduce in most of Kenya later this week - Met Dept

Rainfall is forecast to continue over several parts of this week, the Meteorological Department said on Monday, warning that heavy downpours will likely occur in some parts of the country.

In its projection for the week from May 7 to May 13, the department said heavy rain is set to continue in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin and the Rift Valley during the first half of the week.

It, however, said the rain intensities across the country will likely reduce during the second half of the week.

In the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin and the Rift Valley, morning rains will likely occur over a few places early in the week.

“Afternoon and night showers and thunderstorms are expected over several places during the first half of the forecast period reducing to a few places thereafter,” said the Meteorological Services Director, David Gikungu.

In the North-western Kenya region, morning rains, afternoon and night showers, and thunderstorms are expected over a few places early in the week, followed by sunny intervals in the other half.

Meanwhile, the Highlands East of the Rift Valley will experience morning rains over a few places during the first half of the week.

Afternoon and night showers and thunderstorms are expected over several places during the first half of the week, reducing to only a few places thereafter.

In North-eastern Kenya, morning rains with afternoon and night showers and thunderstorms will hit a few places during the first half of the forecast period, followed by sunny intervals in the other half.

The south-eastern lowlands will meanwhile experience morning rains, afternoon and night showers and thunderstorms over a few places in the first half of the week.

The rest of the week will see the region experience sunny intervals.

In the Coast region, afternoon and night showers are expected over a few places, occasionally spreading to several places.

The Met Department warned of continued flooding in low-lying areas, flood plains and in urban areas with poor drainage.

“Those living within flood plains should remain alert as flood waters may appear in the absence of rain,” Dr Gikungu said.

Landslides are also likely to occur on steep slopes where soils become saturated while the expected heavy rainfall is likely to be accompanied by strong winds, thunder and lightning.

“The public is advised to avoid sheltering under trees and metallic structures to minimize exposure to lightning strikes. They are also advised to be cautious since the forecast strong winds may damage roofs, trees, billboards, etc.,” noted the weather department.

The death toll from flooding and other impacts of the heavy rains that have hit Kenya since March rose to 228 on Sunday.

The Interior Ministry said over 164 people have been injured while 212,630 have been displaced.