Kenya Meteorological Department Outlines Disaster Preparedness Strategies Ahead of Rainy Season

The Kenya Meteorological Department has detailed its disaster mitigation strategies in anticipation of the rainy season. Key measures include generating forecasts, informing local counties, and engaging in workshops with stakeholders, especially in weather-sensitive sectors. Principal Meteorologist Joyce Kimutai emphasized the importance of historical climate data for accurate predictions and effective preparations.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has announced its strategies to prepare for impending adverse weather conditions as the rainy season approaches, ensuring the nation is equipped to handle climate fluctuations. Joyce Kimutai, a Principal Meteorologist and Climate Scientist, elaborated during a recent television interview on the critical process of communicating weather forecasts to counties for subsequent planning and analysis.

To ensure comprehensive preparation, participatory workshops are convened to unite various stakeholders, especially those in sectors sensitive to weather conditions, facilitating the generation of actionable information. Kimutai emphasized that understanding local climate patterns, including historical rainfall data, is essential for accurate forecasting and preparation.

The department adopts a centralized approach to data analysis before distributing region-specific weather information. Meteorological experts delve into the historical climate of each region, determining the usual highs and lows to ascertain potential anomalies. For instance, in the Lake Region, a typical rainfall of 120 millimeters may rise significantly to 200 or even 300 millimeters during an above-normal season.

Kimutai explained that above-normal seasons are characterized by a higher frequency of rainfall, highlighting the need for strategic engagement with stakeholders to assess the implications of forecasts on various sectors. Close collaboration with local communities, including farmers, is prioritized to enhance decision-making processes regarding climate impacts.

On March 4, Dr. David Gikungu, Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department, addressed the recent unusual high temperatures, which have reached 32°C in the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, and over 36°C in other regions. He stated that these temperatures are typical prior to the long rains, noting that solar positioning affects atmospheric conditions leading to variable rainfall patterns across the country.

In summary, the Kenya Meteorological Department is proactively implementing strategies to mitigate the effects of adverse weather as the rainy season approaches. By engaging stakeholders and emphasizing local climate understanding, the department aims to enhance preparedness. Moreover, monitoring temperature fluctuations provides critical insights into forthcoming weather patterns. Through these concerted efforts, the potential risks associated with extreme weather can be effectively managed.

Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke