Kenya Met Warns of Heavy Rainfall and Flooding Across Many Parts in April

Nairobi residents crossing a flooded road in the CBD (left) and floods in Parklands estate. Kenyans.co.ke Ma3Route

The ongoing long rains are expected to continue across much of Kenya throughout April, with slightly lighter rainfall in the first half of the month set to intensify later, with cases of flooding likely, according to the latest update from the Kenya Met

Residents living in the Rift Valley counties, the Lake Victoria Basin, and surrounding regions are likely to experience widespread rainfall, with occasional storms expected in some areas, particularly along the borders with Uganda and South Sudan.Nairobi, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Kiambu, Embu, and other counties that are East of the Rift Valley are expected to receive more than average long-term rainfalls, occasioned by storms and cold temperatures during the day.

According to the weatherman, the long rains are primarily driven by the northward migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which brings moist air from the Indian Ocean and Congo Air-mass over Kenya’s highlands, fueling the rain patterns across central and western highlands.

Motorists using a flooded highway during cold and rainy weather in Nairobi KNA

Above-average rainfall is expected in parts of northeastern Kenya, including Marsabit, Wajir, and Mandera, while the coastal region may experience below-average precipitation.

Residents living in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, and northwestern Kenya have been warned to brace for near-average rainfall, which is also expected for the period, with the department urging farmers to strengthen field drainage, unclog furrows, and avoid activities that compact already-wet soils.This typically covers Western, Nyanza, Nairobi, Central, and Rift Valley counties.

Further, the eastern parts of Turkana and Samburu counties are expected to receive near-to-below-average rainfall.Meanwhile, several areas in Marsabit, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo are likely to experience near-to below-normal rainfall, with occasional storms reported across these regions.