Southern regions to experience heavy rainfall until next week

The Kenya Meteorological Department has predicted ongoing heavy rainfall in certain parts of the country for the next seven days.

The department said that the southern regions will experience persistent heavy rainfall, while the North Eastern and North Western regions will remain dry.

“Heavy rainfall will persist from January 6th to 12th, 2024, in the southern regions, while the North-eastern and North-Western parts of Kenya will remain predominantly dry,” Kenya Met stated.

*Road flooded with water after heavy rains in Nairobi*. Photo: *SCREENGRAB*

This forecast aligns with the recent heavy rainfall experienced in Nairobi and other parts of the country.

The Ministry of Environment and Forestry’s weather outlook for January 2024 suggests occasional rainfall in the Highlands East of the Rift Valley and Central Kenya, with breaks throughout the month.

Anticipated rainfall levels are expected to be close to or above the long-term average amounts received during the same months in previous years.

*Road flooded with water after heavy rains in Nairobi*. Photo: Handout

During the recent October-November-December Seasonal Rainfall, several counties were affected by landslides and mudslides. These incidents led to house destruction in areas like Kiambu County and resulted in the loss of two lives in Riara village after their houses were buried by mudslides.

Speaking on behalf of the Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department, Bernard Chanzu highlighted the potential effects expected this month on agriculture, food security, water resources, and the environment.

“The upcoming three months of sunny and dry weather conditions will be favorable for crop harvesting and land preparations for the forthcoming planting season in agricultural areas. The public is encouraged to seek guidance from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development,” he emphasized.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development Climate Prediction and Applications Center stated that a significant portion of the Horn of Africa is likely to receive heavy rains from January to March 2024, following a weather pattern similar to recent El Nino rains.