According to the department’s report released on Sunday, several areas are expected to experience above-average rainfall, particularly during the first half of the month. However, dry conditions are likely to set in during the latter half due to phases of the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO), a climate pattern known to influence rainfall in the region.
“Kenyans should anticipate enhanced rainfall over much of the country in the coming weeks, especially in the first half of March. Dry spells may follow later as the MJO shifts to unfavourable phases,” a KMD statement noted.
“Kenyans should anticipate enhanced rainfall over much of the country in the coming weeks, especially in the first half of March. Dry spells may follow later as the MJO shifts to unfavourable phases,” a KMD statement noted.
Highlands West of the Rift Valley and Lake Victoria Basin: Counties including Nandi, Kakamega, Bungoma, Kisumu, and Kericho are forecasted to experience near-average to above-average rainfall. Some areas may see occasional heavy downpours during the first half of the month.
Northwestern Kenya: Turkana and Samburu counties are expected to record near-average to above-average rainfall, with intermittent heavy showers mainly in the first two weeks.
Highlands East of the Rift Valley: Counties such as Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, and Nairobi will likely see near-average to above-average rainfall, with occasional heavy rainfall events.
Northeastern Kenya: Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo are expected to have near-average rainfall. Western parts of Marsabit and Isiolo may experience above-average rainfall. Heavy showers may occur sporadically in the first half of the month.
Southeastern Lowlands: Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, and Taita-Taveta are predicted to receive near-average to above-average rainfall. Eastern parts of Tana River county may see only near-average rain.
Coastal Region: Mombasa, Kwale, and western Kilifi counties may experience near-average to above-average rainfall, while Lamu, Tana Delta, and eastern Kilifi are expected to receive near-average rainfall. Rainfall onset for the North Coast is projected between the last week of March and the first week of April.
KMD forecasts above-average temperatures along the Coast, Northeastern, Northwestern, and Southeastern Lowlands, while most other regions are likely to experience near-normal temperatures for March.
The department advises residents and local authorities to remain alert, particularly in flood-prone areas, as heavy showers in the first half of the month could trigger localized flooding.
For more updates and safety tips, Kenyans are encouraged to follow KMD announcements and take precautionary measures during adverse weather conditions.
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