Prepare for Strong Winds and Large Waves in 15 Counties over the Weekend, Met Department Warns
- Strong winds exceeding 35 knots are expected along the Coast and parts of Northwestern Kenya over the weekend, with potential to cause disruptions
- Wave heights of more than 2 metres are forecast in coastal waters between May 23 and 25, prompting warnings for marine operators and coastal residents
- Continuous rainfall is projected to persist across the Rift Valley, Highlands, and Lake Victoria Basin regions until at least May 24
- Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, environmental expert Willie Mutuma stressed the need for public awareness and local preparedness
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TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
The Ministry of Environment has issued a weather advisory following warnings from the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) about turbulent weather set to impact several parts of the country from May 23.
Source: UGC
The advisory, released on Thursday, May 22, cautions residents in at least 15 counties to prepare for moderate to severe strong winds and large waves.
These conditions, with a moderate chance of occurring between 33% and 66%, are expected to bring potential risks, including structural damage and disruptions to marine activities.
Which counties will experience strong winds?
Counties under threat include Marsabit, Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Kitui, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa and Kwale.
In these regions, strong southerly winds exceeding 30 knots (15.4 metres per second) are forecast to begin on Friday, May 23, particularly along the Coast, the Southeastern lowlands, and Northwestern Kenya.
KMD further predicted that wind speeds will increase over the weekend, surpassing 35 knots (18.0 m/s) on Saturday and Sunday, before easing to about 25 knots (12.9 m/s) by Monday, May 26.
Coastal waters are expected to experience waves taller than two metres during this period, gradually reducing to below two metres by Monday.
The department advised residents and maritime operators to remain vigilant as these strong winds could cause roofs to be blown off and structural damage in some areas.
Additionally, large waves may significantly reduce visibility and pose hazards to fishing and shipping activities along the Indian Ocean coastline.
Alongside the wind and wave warnings, KMD’s five-day forecast from May 20 to 24 highlights continued rainfall across various regions.
Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, environmental risk management expert Willie Mutuma, emphasised the importance of community awareness and localized preparedness efforts.
“Extreme weather events, such as strong winds and flooding, are becoming more frequent due to climate variability. It’s crucial that residents in high-risk areas heed the advisories, secure loose structures, avoid unnecessary travel, and cooperate with local authorities. These early warnings are not just alerts, they are life-saving tools that help minimize loss of life and property,” Mutuma advised.
Which counties will experience rainfall this week?
Heavy showers are expected to persist in the Highlands east and west of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley itself, the Coast, and Northwestern Kenya.
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In the Highlands east of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi and surrounding counties such as Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, and Tharaka, mornings are generally cloudy with occasional sunny spells and light rain in some areas.
Showers are forecast to increase in the afternoons and evenings, with daytime temperatures reaching a high of 27°C and nighttime lows dropping to 6°C.
Meanwhile, western and northwestern counties such as Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and West Pokot are expected to experience intermittent morning rainfall with afternoon thunderstorms and showers, alongside occasional night-time showers.
Temperatures are forecast to range between 10°C and 29°C.
Source: UGC
How does Met department help in flood prevention?
TUKO.co.ke analysed the key role KMD plays in minimising the effects of adverse weather, especially floods.
It has done this by issuing early warnings and advisories that help the public and government agencies prepare for extreme weather conditions.
To forecast and manage flooding, KMD has relied on a combination of satellite data, radars, and ground-based weather stations.
This technology allows for the detection of rainfall patterns and the prediction of potential flood zones.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
