As Kenya turns the corner of the heavy rainfall that has pounded the country since March, the latest weather prediction shows temperatures rising and rainfall patterns fluctuating over the next week, Kenyans are urged to prepare for a diverse array of weather conditions across the country.
The latest weather forecast issued by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) paints a picture of moderate to high temperatures coupled with varying levels of rainfall in different regions.
In a detailed weather projection released on Wednesday, the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) predicted moderate rainfall in areas of Western Kenya and the Lake Basin, while the majority of the country is expected to experience low to no rainfall between Wednesday and Tuesday next week.
The lake basin, encompassing counties such as Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Siaya, Vihiga, Busia, Kericho, Bomet, and Kakamega, is set to receive moderate to light rainfall, according to the ICPAC.
Moderate to high temperatures ranging from 20 to 32 degrees Celsius are anticipated over most parts of South Sudan, Uganda, Somalia, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Counties of Nairobi, Mombasa, Kiambu, and other areas of Central Kenya and the Coast are forecasted to experience temperatures between 24 to 28 degrees Celsius, starting from Thursday, May 30. Conversely, Western Kenya is expected to see temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius.
While Rwanda, Burundi, and parts of central to southern Tanzania, central to western Kenya, and central to southern Ethiopia are expected to experience mild temperature conditions, dry conditions are anticipated over most parts of Rwanda, Burundi, Eritrea, Djibouti, and several other regions.
The Kenya Meteorological Department, in its forecast from May 28 to June 3, highlighted the likelihood of showers, thunderstorms, and sunny intervals across different parts of the country. Areas such as the Central Highlands, Western Kenya, and Rift Valley are expected to continue receiving rainfall within this timeframe.
Last week, IGAD issued a sobering warning, projecting above-normal rainfall and heightened temperatures during the forthcoming June-September season across the GHA region, comprising Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda.
The report indicated a heightened likelihood of wetter-than-usual conditions in Kenya's coastal and western regions, along with similar weather events predicted for Djibouti, Eritrea, central and northern Ethiopia, Uganda, South Sudan, and Sudan.
However, certain pockets of northern Somalia, isolated areas in western Ethiopia, and northwestern South Sudan are expected to receive below-average rainfall. Meteorologists drew parallels between the anticipated weather patterns and those observed in 1998 and 2010, which brought wetter-than-average conditions to much of the region.
Dr. Guleid Artan, Director of ICPAC, stressed the significance of early warning systems in preparing for recurring extreme weather events. "The predicted wetter-than-normal conditions for June to September 2024 mirror the patterns of 1998 and 2010, highlighting the potential impact, especially for South Sudan and Sudan, which could face flooding," Dr. Artan remarked, underlining the vulnerability of the Greater Horn of Africa to the adverse effects of climate change.
Looking ahead, IGAD predicts an early to normal onset of the rainy season in several areas, including central and northern Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, and South Sudan. Meanwhile, a delayed start is anticipated in parts of Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Sudan.
