Regional Weather Forecast: Rainfall and High Temperatures Expected in Kenya

Kenya is set for moderate rainfall in western regions and high temperatures in several areas over the next week, with forecasts indicating varied weather conditions across the country, including potential heat stress in eastern counties and drier than usual conditions in many regions.

Kenya is projected to experience moderate rainfall and elevated temperatures within the next week. The predictions, sourced from the IGAD Climate Predictions and Applications Center (ICPAC) forecast for March 12 to March 19, indicate that western Kenya will see light rainfall amounts below 50 mm. This light rainfall is expected in southern and western Uganda, most of South Sudan, and parts of northern Tanzania, as well as central to southwestern Ethiopia.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has corroborated these expectations, warning of potential rain and isolated heavy showers in various regions. The seven-day forecast, covering the period from March 11 to March 17, specifies that the Highlands east of the Rift Valley—namely Nairobi, Murang’a, and Kiambu Counties—will likely experience morning showers and sunshine on Thursday and Friday.

Moreover, the KMD anticipates afternoon and night showers and thunderstorms, primarily in the early and late portions of this forecast period. Rainfall intensity is expected to diminish midway through the week but might increase again as the week culminates.

In terms of temperatures, Kenya is forecasted to experience warmer conditions, with certain areas exceeding 32 °C. IGAD reports that eastern South Sudan, western Ethiopia, and northwestern Kenya will likely witness these high temperatures. Conversely, regions in Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Busia, and Eldoret may experience milder temperatures below 20 °C over the week.

Additionally, IGAD warns that areas in eastern Kenya—including Makueni, Machakos, and Taita Taveta counties—are at risk for “elevated heat stress.” The organization predicts that across many areas in Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, western Uganda, South Sudan, and northwestern Tanzania, drier-than-usual conditions are expected during the March-April-May seasonal forecast. In contrast, wetter conditions are anticipated in western and southwestern Kenya, along with eastern Uganda, eastern South Sudan, western Ethiopia, and substantial areas of Tanzania.

In conclusion, the upcoming week holds the promise of moderate rainfall for Kenya, particularly in southern and western regions, alongside variably high temperatures. The Kenya Meteorological Department and IGAD forecasts indicate fluctuating rainfall intensity and elevated heat stress risks in specified regions. The regional climate patterns suggest drier conditions may prevail over several areas, while wetter conditions are expected in select regions, particularly in the west and southwestern parts of the country.

Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke