Dr. David Gikungu from the Kenya Meteorological Department states that Kenya’s high temperatures are typical before the long rains. Rainfall is expected to begin next week in certain areas, primarily influenced by the sun’s position. The March-April-May season forecasts elevated temperatures and below-average rainfall in specific regions, including the Highlands East of the Rift Valley and coastal areas.
Dr. David Gikungu, the Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department, has announced that the recent high temperatures across Kenya are typical before the onset of the long rains. Since December, temperatures have reached 32°C in regions such as the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi and Kiambu, while some areas have experienced temperatures exceeding 36°C.
In a recent interview on KBC, Dr. Gikungu stated that rainfall is anticipated in regions like Nairobi beginning next week. He explained that the high temperatures preceding this rain event are a normal phenomenon associated with seasonal changes. “This season that we are looking to begin in mid-March is always preceded by very high temperatures,” he noted.
Dr. Gikungu elaborated on the temperature fluctuations, stating that they are influenced by the sun’s position relative to the Earth. As the sun moves toward the equator, it creates significant heating and low pressure in the atmosphere, which in turn attracts winds. “When these winds are blowing over masses of water, like the ocean, they will bring with them the clouds that result in rainfall,” he explained, indicating that this process would lead to a decrease in temperatures afterward.
Last week, the Kenya Meteorological Department declared the commencement of the March-April-May long rains season, projected to start next week. The forecast indicates that warmer-than-average temperatures will prevail nationwide, especially in coastal and northern regions. However, specific temperature data for individual cities like Nairobi and Mombasa have not been disclosed.
The Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi County, is expected to experience below-average rainfall during this season. Similarly, rainfall levels in the coastal region, notably Mombasa, are anticipated to be below average, with May expected to mark the peak of the raining period.
In summary, an increase in temperatures across Kenya is normal before the long rains. The expected rainfall is anticipated to lower these temperatures. Although warmer conditions are forecasted nationwide, specific locations may experience below-average rainfall during the March-April-May season. Dr. Gikungu’s insights offer essential information regarding the climatic patterns expected in the coming weeks.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
