RAIN/FILE
Farmers should liaise with their local agricultural extension officers for advice on planting days, the Met department has said.
The organisation confirmed that rains are coming in two weeks time. Dr David Gikungu, the director of Kenya Meteorological Services, said the rains will begin in western, central and southern Kenya.
The monthly weather outlook released on Saturday, says rains will be near to above-average in these areas.
“The near to above average rainfall expected over the high agricultural potential areas of the highlands west and east of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria basin, central and south Rift Valley, and the southeastern lowlands are conducive for agriculture. Farmers are advised to liaise with the relevant agricultural authorities for best agricultural practices,” Gikungu said.
The rains will offer much relief for the scorched and dust-choked country. Gikungu said there may be cases of flash and riverine floods in poorly drained urban centers and along rivers.
“The onset of the long-rains season is expected from the second to third week of March,” he said. “This rainfall will be near to above the longterm average for the month.”
The weatherman said Nairobi, Kiambu, Embu, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties will be among regions that will experience the rains.
The forecast also highlights that the South-eastern lowlands, including Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Kajiado and Taita Taveta will start experiencing rainfall within the same period.
“The onset of the long-rains season is expected from the second to third week of March, which may be followed by a short dry spell,” Gikungu said.
Other areas with the same timeline are the counties of Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Nandi, Laikipia, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma and Busia.
However, the coastal region and parts of northeastern Kenya, including Mandera, Marsabit, Isiolo, Wajir and Garissa, are expected to receive near to below-average rainfall.
The rains in these areas will be sporadic and followed by dry spells. Met attributes the anticipated rainfall to the influence of the Madden-Julian Oscillation. MJO is a pattern of clouds, rain and storms that travels from West to East around the world along the equator every 30 to 60 days.
When the MJO is in a region, it increases rainfall and storms. When it moves away, the weather becomes drier and hotter.
“The MJO is expected to be in
Phase 2 from the second week of
March, which may lead to an earlier-than-anticipated onset over some
parts of the country,” Gikungu said.
