Kenya Meteorological Department Predicts Rainfall for Farmers by Mid-March

Experts from the Kenya Meteorological Department predict that rainfall will begin in the third week of March and last for five months, urging farmers to prepare for the planting season. Meanwhile, hot and dry conditions are expected until early March, with temperatures rising above 30°C in many areas of the country.

In light of recent warm and dry weather across Kenya, experts from the Kenya Meteorological Department forecast that rainfall will commence within the next three weeks. A meteorologist, during a press briefing on Thursday, February 27, disclosed that precipitation is anticipated to begin in various regions starting the third week of March.

The rainfall is expected to be substantial and will likely continue for five months, spanning from mid-March until late July of this year. The meteorologist advised farmers to start early preparations for the planting season, including land tillage, to take advantage of the forthcoming rains.

Farmers considering dry planting are encouraged to begin this practice during the first and second weeks of March, as the rains are predicted to initiate around the third week of March. The expert elaborated that rain showers are expected to persist through April before tapering off in July.

This forecast comes in response to concerns expressed by some farmers regarding the prolonged dry spell, which has led to frustration over the absence of the typically expected short rains at the start of the year. One farmer remarked, “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.”

Amid these concerns, the Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning regarding the hot and dry conditions predicted for the upcoming week. The advisory foresees exceedingly high temperatures exceeding 30°C from February 25 to March 3, with daytime temperatures soaring in several regions, including Central Kenya and the Rift Valley.

For nighttime, temperatures are expected to fall below 10°C in certain areas such as Central Kenya, the Rift Valley, and around Mount Kilimanjaro. The public is advised to remain vigilant and prepared for these extreme weather patterns as forecasts evolve.

In summary, the Kenya Meteorological Department anticipates the beginning of significant rainfall by mid-March, which is expected to continue through July. Farmers are urged to prepare for the planting season well ahead of the rains. Concurrently, Kenyans should brace for extremely hot temperatures over the coming week, as the department has cautioned about the ongoing dry weather conditions.

Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke