Kenya Met monitoring Tropical Storm IALY currently over Indian Ocean

The Kenya Meteorological Department is closely monitoring Tropical Storm IALY said to be currently present over the South-West Indian Ocean.

Kenya Met says the storm is likely to enhance rainfall over the western half of the country and parts of the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi.

The Tropical Storm IALY is also expected to occasion large waves over the Indian Ocean.

“Strong southerly winds are anticipated over the eastern sector of the country. Heavy rainfall off the coast of Kenya may occasionally propagate inland,” the Kenya Met said.

The prediction comes as Kenya Met announced heavy rains will pound various parts of the country on Sunday.

In its forecast, Kenya Met predicted that heavy rainfall will pound several parts of Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, Highlands West and East of Rift Valley including Nairobi on Monday and Tuesday.

“The heavy rainfall is predicted to intensify to more than 40mm in 24 hours over the Rift Valley, Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley including Nairobi area, Lake Victoria Basin and off the coast on May 20-21, 2024,” it said.

The department said rain is likely to reduce in intensity on Wednesday inland but intensify along the coast from May 22-24, 2024.

The heavy rainfall is likely to be accompanied by gusty winds, large ocean waves in the Indian Ocean and strong southerly winds in the eastern region.