The Kenya Meteorological Department warned the public of heavy downpours expected to continue in most parts of the country.
In a statement on Monday, April 8, the weather experts outlined the forecast for the coming week.
“Rainfall is expected to persist across the country, with particularly heavy rainfall anticipated in several regions including the Central Highlands, Western Kenya, Rift Valley, South-eastern lowlands, Coast, North-eastern, and North-western Kenya,” the department stated.
The weatherman also pointed out high daytime temperatures exceeding 30°C in counties like Turkana, Marsabit, Wajir, Isiolo, Garissa, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, Tana River and Kwale.
🌧️ Rainfall to continue across the country, with heavy rainfall anticipated in Central Highlands, Western Kenya, Rift Valley, South-eastern lowlands, Coast, North-eastern, and North-western Kenya. pic.twitter.com/z6M2YUGxpL
— Kenya Met Department 🇰🇪 (@MeteoKenya) April 8, 2024
“High daytime temperatures, exceeding 30°C, are anticipated in regions such as Turkana, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Isiolo, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale,” the weatherman announced.
Adding;
“Night-time temperatures are likely to remain high, above 25°C, particularly in parts of the Coast, North-eastern, and North-western Kenya,” the department added.
Heavy rainfall season
Last week most parts of the country witnessed heavy rainfall as forecasted by the weather department.
In a statement on Monday, April 1, the weatherman forecasted widespread rainfall across Kenya, with particularly heavy downpours 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 experienced heavy rains.
“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.
Additionally, the weather department had warned of high temperatures in certain counties.
Places such as Turkana, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Isiolo, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale faced high average daytime temperatures exceeding 30°C.
Moreover, the forecast indicated 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.”
Safety tips during flooding
In light of the heavy rains in several 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.
