Kenya Met Warns of Strong Winds and High Ocean Waves This Weekend

The Kenya Meteorological Department warns of strong winds exceeding 30 knots and ocean waves rising above two meters from May 23 to May 25, affecting various counties. The conditions may lead to property damage and disruptions to marine activities, urging residents in impacted areas to prepare accordingly. Heavy rains and fluctuating temperatures are also expected to continue through the weekend.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning regarding strong winds and high ocean waves expected this weekend, particularly from Friday, May 23, through Sunday, May 25. The affected areas include several counties such as Marsabit, Turkana, Samburu, and coastal regions like Mombasa and Kwale. Residents are urged to prepare for these intense weather hazards.

Wind gusts are predicted to exceed 30 knots with potential increases to over 35 knots on the weekend. In tandem, ocean waves may reach heights above two meters. This situation has raised concerns regarding property damage and interruptions to marine activities, especially in coastal counties and others near the Indian Ocean.

The Kenya Met has explicitly warned, “Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential gale (very strong winds) and large waves over the Indian Ocean.” The department has cautioned that these strong winds might result in roofs being blown off, alongside causing visible hazards for marine operations.

In terms of future forecasts, there is a moderately assessed chance, ranging from 33 to 66 percent, of these events occurring as predicted. This alert comes at a time when many areas across Kenya have already been dealing with heavy rains that have led to flooding and some displacements in communities.

Furthermore, the Met Department indicates that persistent rains will likely continue to plague the Highlands, Rift Valley, and Lake Victoria Basin over the weekend, with nighttime temperatures possibly plummeting to 9 degrees Celsius. Overall, the weather conditions signal a weekend of significant fluctuations, with Kenyans needing to brace for both strong winds and sporadic rain.

In conclusion, the Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a serious weather advisory for this weekend, emphasizing the likelihood of strong winds and high ocean waves, particularly affecting coastal and southeastern regions. Residents are advised to take precautions due to the risk of structural damage and disruptions to marine activities. Overall, affected populations must be vigilant amidst ongoing heavy rains and fluctuating temperatures, as the weather continues to develop in unpredictable ways.

Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke