Expect rain in two weeks time - Met

Dr David Gikungu, the Director of Meteorological Services

Kenya is expected receive much-needed rainfall from the second week of March, according to the weatherman.

The March 2025 monthly weather outlook, released on February 28, indicates that the rains will be near to above-average rainfall over several regions, and below average in others.

Dr David Gikungu, the Director of Meteorological Services, advised farmers to get ready and liaise with their local extension officers.

The rains will offer much relief for the scorched and dust-choked country.

He said Nairobi, Kiambu, Embu, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties will be among the regions that will experience these rains in two weeks time.

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,” Dr Gikungu said.

The 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.

The Met Department attributes the anticipated rainfall to the influence of the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO).

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 two from the second week of March, which may lead to an earlier-than-anticipated onset over some parts of the country,” Dr Gikungu explained.

He explained that the coastal strip (Mombasa, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu and Kwale) is likely to experience occasional rainfall from the second to third weeks of March, followed by a dry spell. The expected rainfall amounts are likely to be near to below the long-term average for March.

“The onset is expected during the fourth week of March to the first week of April over the South Coast and second to third week of April over the North coast,” Dr Gikungu said.