Rainfall to continue through the week with warning of more landslides

The Kenya Meteorological Department has said the current rainfall being experienced across the country is set to continue over several parts of the country.

“Heavy rainfall events are likely to occur in some parts of the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the South-eastern lowlands, North-western and North-eastern Kenya,” says the statement released by the Director of Meteorological Services, Dr. David Gikungu.

The Weatherman is warning that flooding is expected in low-lying areas, those in flood plains as well as in urban areas with poor drainage, “The public is advised to avoid driving through or wading in fast moving water,” says Dr. Gikungu and adds: “Those living within flood plains should remain alert as flood waters may appear even in the absence of rain.”

In the seven-day forecast, the Weatherman says the expected heavy rainfall is likely to be accompanied by strong winds, thunder and lightning.

“The public are advised to avoid sheltering under trees and metallic structures to minimize exposure to lightning strikes,’ says the Director of Meteorological Service and urges the public to be cautious since the forecasted strong winds may damage roofs, uproot trees and bring down billboards.

The Weatherman is further warning of landslides in areas with steep slopes where soils become saturated, he says that, visibility is likely to be reduced during heavy rainfall events and is advising road-users, aviators and boat operators to exercise caution as large waves and strong winds may affect marine activities.

Among the counties expected to receive heavy rainfall include, Bungoma, Kakamega, Vihiga, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Nyamira, Kisii, Narok, Kajiado, Nyandarua, Kiambu, Nairobi, Machakos, Embu, Meru, parts of Tharaka Nithi, Samburu, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Laikipia, parts of Marabit County around Kalacha and along Lake Turkana in Turkana County.

Most parts of the Coast, North-eastern and North-western Kenya are expected to have high average daytime temperatures of more than 30 degrees Celsius while much of the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley and the South-eastern lowlands much of the Highlands will experience average night-time temperatures of between 10 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius.