Kenya Meteorological Department Warns of Heavy Downpours as Long Rains Begin
The Kenya Meteorological Department warns of heavy downpours as the March-April-May Long Rains season begins, advising readiness and precautions. Isolated heavy rains are anticipated in specific areas. Significant rainfall has been recorded, confirming the season’s onset, with further developments expected in the following weeks.
The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has issued a warning for Kenyans to be prepared for heavy downpours as the March-April-May (MAM) Long Rains season commences. According to KMD Director David Gikungu, rainfall is expected to persist across various regions this week, emphasizing the importance of remaining vigilant during this period.
Gikungu pointed out that isolated heavy rains are anticipated in specific areas, particularly in the highlands west and east of the Rift Valley, Nairobi County, and the Lake Victoria Basin. He highlighted a significant increase in rainfall from March 3 to 9, 2025, especially in the southeastern lowlands and northeastern parts of Kenya, indicating the arrival of the MAM season.
The KMD defines the onset of the MAM season as the first day of impactful wet conditions, marked by 20 mm of rainfall over three consecutive days without a dry interruption of at least seven days. For northern regions, a lower threshold of 10 mm over the same duration is required.
Gikungu stated that the onset of the rains in the remaining parts of the highlands and southeastern lowlands is projected for this week. Additionally, the northeastern regions are expected to experience rainfall during the periods of March 18-24 and March 25-31, although it may be followed by dry stretches.
In the northwestern and coastal regions, occasional rain is anticipated for the remainder of March 2025. The coastal regions are expected to witness the peak of the long rains in May, with an anticipated onset in April.
In conclusion, the Kenya Meteorological Department has confirmed the beginning of the March-April-May Long Rains season, advising the public to be cautious of anticipated heavy downpours. Significant rainfall has already been recorded, and the defined thresholds for the onset of this season have been met in various regions. The coming weeks will see further developments in rainfall patterns across the country, particularly in the coastal areas where the peak is expected in May.
Original Source: allafrica.com
