Most parts of Kenya will remain dry over the next week, with rainfall expected in eight counties as the country continues to experience cool and cloudy conditions in several areas, the Kenya Meteorological Service has said.
The weather agency said Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kericho, Nyandarua and Nyeri are likely to receive rainfall between August 13 and 20.
The forecast comes as most of the country is expected to remain generally dry, with only scattered areas receiving rain during the period.
“Most parts of the country are expected to be generally dry,” the service said.
Apart from the eight counties expected to receive rain, several parts of the country are likely to experience intermittent cool and cloudy conditions.
The areas include parts of Embu, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Meru, Murang'a, Nairobi, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Tharaka-Nithi, Nakuru, Machakos, Kajiado, Taita Taveta, Marsabit and Wajir counties.
Nyandarua and Nyeri feature in both categories, meaning some areas in the two counties could receive rainfall while also experiencing periods of cool and cloudy weather.
The forecast offers a break from the generally dry conditions expected across much of the country, with residents in the affected areas likely to experience increased cloud cover and cooler temperatures.
The Kenya Meteorological Service provides weather information to help different sectors prepare and plan, including agriculture, transport, health and disaster management.
Meanwhile, counties considered to be at high risk have been urged to activate their anticipatory measures ahead of the expected El Niño rains during the October-November-December short rains season.
Homa Bay, Kisumu and Nakuru are among the counties facing concern, with water levels already rising in Lake Victoria, Lake Turkana, Lake Baringo, Lake Bogoria, Lake Elementaita, Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru.
Weather experts have called on the counties to prepare for possible worst-case scenarios to protect lives and property as heavy rains linked to El Niño are expected during the season.
Experts warned that increased rainfall could lead to backflow in some lakes, raising the risk of flooding and displacement in areas around the water bodies.
“The two signals, the strong El Nino and the positive Indian Ocean Dipole, could enhance the rainfall, triggering an early onset of the season which could begin with torrential heavy rainfall resulting in flash floods over different parts of the country,” said Misiani Zachary, a Disaster Risk Management and Anticipatory Action Expert at the Kenya Met.
Speaking during a webinar on the possible impact of the rains, Misiani said Lake Victoria and Lake Naivasha are among the water bodies that could be affected by backflow.
The warning comes as counties are being encouraged to put measures in place before the anticipated rains begin, particularly in areas already experiencing rising lake water levels