The Kenya Meteorological Department has said that the current dry weather conditions in the country may prolong over most parts of the country, more so the eastern regions and the Northwestern Kenya of the country, thus affecting the March to May 2019 season rainfall.
In its season update, the met department warns that tropical cyclones and the unfavorable patterns both in the Indian and Atlantic ocean could also result in poor rainfall distribution in the Western sides of the country.
“A tropical cyclone known as IDAI, located in re Mozambican channel for several days has played a key role in delaying the northward movement of the rain-bearing Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone…the cyclone significantly reduced moisture influx into the country and has led to the continued sunny and dry weather conditions,'” the update stated.
Therefore, the long rains are expected in April (contrary to the March trend) in most parts of the country, especially in western Kenya, central Rift valley, Northern Kenya and the central highlands including Nairobi.
“In May 2019, most parts of the country are likely to experience depressed rainfall except the western central Rift valley and central Kenya regions which are likely to experience slightly enhanced rainfall,” the update stated.
The department warned that the late rainfall could likely impact negatively on the agricultural sector leading to food insecurity, a case which has already been witnessed in the country.
Problems related to water scarcity and lack of pasture for livestock is expected to increase following the poor rainfall performance observed during the October-November-December 2018.
