Kenya Meteorological Department Predicts Rainfall in March

Experts from the Kenya Meteorological Department have forecasted that rain is expected to commence in the third week of March and continue for five months. Farmers should begin preparations for planting as dry conditions persist. Meanwhile, extreme temperatures above 30°C are anticipated over the next week, complicating farming activities.

In light of the ongoing sunny and dry conditions in Kenya, experts from the Kenya Meteorological Department have announced that rainfall is anticipated within the next three weeks. During a press briefing on Thursday, 27 February, a meteorologist indicated that the rains are expected to commence in various regions starting from the third week of March.

Forecasts suggest that Kenya will experience heavy rains lasting approximately five months, from mid-March through late July. The expert further recommended that farmers prepare in advance for the upcoming planting season by initiating land tillage in anticipation of the precipitation.

“For the first and second weeks of March, those who prefer to practice dry planting can proceed, as we expect the rains to initiate in the third week of March,” stated the meteorologist. He reassured that rainfall would begin in mid-March, particularly during the third week, continuing into April before gradually decreasing in July.

This forecast comes amid farmers’ concerns regarding prolonged dry conditions contributing to delayed rainfall. Some farmers have voiced frustrations and expressed contemplation of ceasing agricultural activities this season due to the absence of the short intermittent rains typically expected at this time of year. “Every farmer is now ready for the planting season. However, the weather has been unusually severe for an extended period, and it seems there is a change in the climate this year,” one farmer commented.

Simultaneously, the Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning regarding hot and dry weather conditions for the forthcoming week. In its weekly weather advisory dated February 25 to March 3, the department cautioned that daytime temperatures are likely to rise above 30°C across most of the country, particularly in regions such as Central Kenya, the Rift Valley, and the Lake Victoria Basin.

Temperatures during the night in certain areas of Central Kenya, the Rift Valley, and around Mount Kilimanjaro are expected to drop below 10°C, indicating a significant variation in daytime and nighttime temperatures throughout the region. This disparity highlights the challenges faced by farmers as they prepare for the anticipated agricultural season.

In summary, the Kenya Meteorological Department has indicated that rainfall will likely begin in mid-March, bringing long-awaited precipitation after extended dry conditions. Farmers are urged to prepare for the planting season during the first two weeks of March, as heavy rains are expected to persist for about five months. Additionally, Kenyans should brace for exceedingly hot weather until the rains commence, reflecting the regional climatic adjustments that are affecting agricultural practices.

Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke