The Kenya Metrological Department on November 1 announced the presence of El Nino conditions in various parts of the country.
The weatherman noted that the new forecast was due to the Indian Ocean Dipole. MET noted that the new pattern is because of the above-average rainfall in November.
With the El Nino threat still in effect, Met clarified that the actual rainfall amounts can vary from year to year, depending on the strength of the El Nino event.
Nine days ago, President William Ruto announced that the Kenya Meteorological Department had scaled down its El-Nino alert to short rains.
Most parts of the country are witnessing heavy rains which will continue into January with increased probabilities in parts of the Northeast and the Central Highlands.
“This enhanced rainfall will be as a result of El Nino conditions and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). El Nino conditions are currently present in the Pacific Ocean while the IOD is positive in the Indian ocean, hence the expected enhanced rainfall in November” Met stated.
“In some parts of the country, the rains will continue into January 2024. Rainfall cessation is likely to occur in several parts of the country in January as well” the outlook states.
Flooding is expected primarily in regions with low-lying terrain such as Northeastern and Northwestern areas, the Southeastern lowlands, the Coastal region, Lake Victoria Basin, and segments of the Central and South Rift Valley.
Isolated episodes of storms are likely to be experienced in several parts of the country during the month” the forecast warns.
Temperature is expected to be warmer than average in several parts of the country, except in the Northeast and parts of the Coast (Tana River), where temperatures are expected to be cooler than the average cumulatively.
Landslides and mudslides are likely over parts of the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, Central and South Rift Valley as well as parts of Southeastern lowlands.
With heavy rainfall insight, the weatherman advised motorists to exercise caution while driving due to reduced visibility and slippery roads.
