The Kenya Meteorological Department has cautioned the public of heavy downpours expected to hit various parts of the country in the coming week.
In a statement on Monday, April 1, the weatherman indicates that widespread rainfall is anticipated across Kenya, with particularly heavy downpours expected in several regions from Tuesday, April 2 to April 8, 2024.
The Central Highlands, Western Kenya, Rift Valley, Southeast lowlands, Coast, Northeast, and Northwest regions are all likely to experience heavy rains.
Residents in these areas are advised to stay prepared for potential flooding.
“Weather outlook (April 2-8, 2024) Expect widespread rainfall across the country, with heavy downpours forecasted for Central Highlands, Western Kenya, Rift Valley, Southeast lowlands, Coast, Northeast, and Northwest regions. Stay prepared for potential flooding in these areas,” the weatherman stated.
🌧️ Weather Outlook (April 2-8, 2024) 🌧️
— Kenya Met Department 🇰🇪 (@MeteoKenya) April 1, 2024
Expect widespread rainfall across the country, with heavy downpours forecasted for Central Highlands, Western Kenya, Rift Valley, Southeast lowlands, Coast, Northeast, and Northwest regions. Stay prepared 4 potential flooding in these areas pic.twitter.com/GGGwiGhgIj
Additionally, the weather department warned of high temperatures in certain counties.
Places such as Turkana, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Isiolo, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale are expected to face high average daytime temperatures exceeding 30°C. Residents are urged to stay hydrated and take necessary precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.
Moreover, the forecast indicates warm nights ahead for Kenya, with night-time temperatures expected to remain high, surpassing 25°C.
This particularly affects regions along the Coast and in Northeastern Kenya.
“High Temperatures Alert! Some counties, including Turkana, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Isiolo, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale, will experience high average daytime temperatures exceeding 30°C. Stay hydrated. Warm nights ahead. Night-time temperatures are expected to remain high, surpassing 25°C, particularly along the Coast and in Northeastern Kenya.”
Nairobi downpour
Heavy rainfall in Nairobi county last week resulted in the loss of four lives, as confirmed by authorities.
The downpour led to flooded roads and walkways, creating challenging conditions for residents as they struggled to commute to their workplaces.
A viral video on X showed an unidentified man expressing his disbelief at surviving a terrifying ordeal in a drain.
He gestures silently, recounting his near-death experience of almost being swept away by the floods.
Fortunately, he was rescued by bystanders after becoming trapped in a culvert upon landing in the drainage system, as shown in a brief clip shared by user Stella Millii Kamau.
Safety tips during flooding
In light of the heavy rains in Nairobi and other parts of the country, the E-Plus Ambulances issued flood safety tips to the public, urging residents to take precautionary measures.
These include immediate evacuation to elevated areas in the event of flooding, avoiding walking or driving through floodwaters, and exercising caution near streams and rivers.
The ambulance service owned by the Kenya Red Cross emphasized the danger posed by even minimal amounts of moving water noting that just six inches can knock a person down, while a foot can sweep away a vehicle.
Furthermore, the advisory highlighted the importance of switching off electricity at the main switch if a house is flooded, refraining from parking or engaging in activities near water bodies during heavy rainfall, and avoiding areas where power lines may have fallen.
The public was also urged to stay informed by listening to designated radio or TV stations for updates on the weather conditions and flooded areas.
