Met says rainfall will continue in country but reduce intensity
A bodaboda rider is stuck in the mud at Kagaene in Tigania West following heavy rains that pounded the area on November 7, 2017. PHOTO | PHOEBE OKALL | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- November as it is the peak month of rains during the short rain season of October to December.
- However, the rainfall will be much lower than that experienced last week.
Most parts of the country are expected to continue receiving rainfall, though reducing as the month wears out.
Kenya Meteorological Department director Peter Ambenje said only the Rift Valley and northeastern areas were expected to receive enhanced rainfall.
“Most parts of the country are expected to continue receiving seasonal rainfall, though with reduced intensity, during the week as the short rains have established, with enhanced rainfall expected over parts of northeast and parts of highlands west and east of the Rift Valley towards the end of the week,” said Mr Ambenje on Thursday.
STRUGGLE
He said some parts of the country have been receiving enhanced rainfall in November as it is the peak month of rains during the short rain season of October to December.
That explains the death and destruction of property, he said.
The officer added that most flash floods or run-off witnessed on Nairobi roads were a result of the tarmac not allowing water to sink into the ground, and not the intensity of the rainfall.
“The highest amount recorded as from 9am on Wednesday to 9am on Thursday was moderate, at 6.1 millimetres at JKIA, with the lowest being 1.5mm recorded at our Dagoretti station,” said Mr Ambenje.
A spot check by the Nation around the county revealed a struggle with the effects of the heavy rains.
Motorists and residents on Jogoo Road were on the receiving end, with the Makadara footbridge section almost impassable due to a pool of water on the tarmac.
LIGHT RAINS
In Kibera, motorists and pedestrians had to devise ways of navigating puddles on Karanja Road. At Transami in Pipeline, most roads were impassable, with swathes of mud, and some buildings flooded.
In the weatherman’s latest five-day forecast released on Wednesday for November 9 to 13, the central highlands that span Nairobi, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu and Tharaka-Nithi counties are expected to experience cloudy mornings with light rains giving way to sunny intervals throughout the week.
Afternoon showers are expected over a few places but Monday may see showers in the areas.
Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans-Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi, Laikipia, Nakuru, Narok, Kajiado, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma and Busia might see morning rains, especially in the lake basin with afternoon showers and thunderstorms on Friday and Monday and in a few places on Saturday and Sunday. The showers are expected to be heavier in South Nyanza.
SHOWERS
In the northwest, Turkana, West Pokot and Samburu may experience rain with afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Northeastern regions of Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Isiolo will have morning rains from Friday to Monday and sunny mornings with afternoon showers on other days.
Kitui, Makueni, Machakos and Taita-Taveta will have sunny mornings and afternoon showers as the Coastal strip, covering Mombasa, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu and Kwale, receives morning rains and afternoon showers.
However, the rainfall will be much lower than that experienced last week.
