The Kenya Meteorological Department warns of heavy downpours as the Long Rains season begins. Rain is anticipated across various parts of Kenya, with specific warnings for highland regions and the northeastern areas. The onset criteria entail a noted wet spell and no significant dry periods. Citizens are advised to take precautions.
The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has issued a warning for heavy rainfall as the March-April-May (MAM) Long Rains season begins. KMD Director David Gikungu emphasized the need for Kenyans to remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions, as rainfall is expected to persist across various regions this week.
Gikungu highlighted that certain areas, particularly around the highlands east and west of the Rift Valley, Nairobi County, and the Lake Victoria Basin, might experience isolated heavy rainfall. He noted that the observed rains from March 3 to 9 demonstrated a substantial increase in rainfall, particularly in the southeastern lowlands and parts of northeastern Kenya.
The weeks of March 10 to 16 marked the formal start of the MAM 2025 season, especially for regions west of the Rift Valley and within the Lake Victoria Basin. This trend was also observed in parts of the Rift Valley, Nairobi, and other highland areas.
KMD defined the onset of the MAM season as the first occurrence of a wet spell, requiring an accumulated rainfall of at least 20 mm over three consecutive days without a dry spell lasting over seven days. For northern Kenya, the threshold is slightly lower at 10 mm.
Gikungu further noted that the highlands east of the Rift Valley and southeastern lowlands will likely see the onset of the rains this week. Additionally, the northeastern region’s onset is anticipated during the weeks of March 18-24 and March 25-31, though intermittent dry spells may follow.
Lastly, the northwestern regions and coastal areas are expected to receive sporadic rainfall for the rest of March 2025, with the peak rainy period in the coastal region expected in May, commencing in April.
In summary, the Kenya Meteorological Department has alerted citizens to prepare for heavy downpours as the Long Rains season begins. With significant rainfall recorded in various regions, the department clarified the criteria for defining the onset of this rainy season. Citizens should remain cautious and anticipate potential dry spells, particularly in the northeastern regions, while sporadic rainfall is expected in other areas during March.
Original Source: allafrica.com
