The heavens finally open for rains to pound city

Nairobi residents shield themselves from the rain on on December 4, 2018. In a welcome break from the continuous sweltering heat and dusty streets, Nairobi received a rain, which caught many people unprepared. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Last week, the meteorological department said there would be no rains this season.

  • The announcement was made by acting Deputy Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department Bernard Chanzu.

  • Mr Chanzu even asked Kenyans to brace themselves for scarcity of water. Thankfully, that may not be the case if the rains continue into the coming weeks.

The heavens finally opened in Nairobi last night and the city for the first time in 2019 experienced wet conditions.

In a welcome break from the continuous sweltering heat and dusty streets, Nairobi received a rain, which caught many people unprepared.

Hawkers who were selling their wares in the streets were caught unawares as the rain pounded the busy streets. Pedestrians and motorists were also in the mix.

Two hours before the rains started, the Kenya Meteorological Department had announced that it would rain in Nairobi and other regions.

“Showers and thunderstorms expected on Sunday especially afternoon over Western Kenya, Southern and Central Rift Valley and Central highlands including Nairobi. Moderate to heavy rainfall expected over the same areas from Monday and throughout next week,” it said in a tweet.

City residents who spoke to the Nation said they did not expect it to rain.

“I did not expect it to rain and as I was busy going on with my business, the rains came down and was forced to seek shelter,” said John Kimani, a hawker. Ms Mary Auma said she was shocked when the rains started. “I did not know that it would rain and had not even dressed warmly, I have to stay here until the rains stop,” she said.

Last week, the meteorological department said there would be no rains this season.

The announcement was made by acting Deputy Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department Bernard Chanzu.

Mr Chanzu even asked Kenyans to brace themselves for scarcity of water. Thankfully, that may not be the case if the rains continue into the coming weeks.