Kenya Meteorological Department Warns of Severe Weather This Weekend

The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning for strong winds and high ocean waves affecting several counties from May 23 to May 25. The danger includes wind speeds over 30 knots and waves exceeding two meters, which could disrupt marine activities and cause structural damage. Residents are advised to remain vigilant amid ongoing heavy rains.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has raised alarms regarding intense weather conditions expected over the weekend. Reports indicate strong southerly winds and large ocean waves will dominate several counties from Friday, May 23, to Sunday, May 25. Regions particularly at risk include Marsabit, Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Kitui, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale. Residents should remain vigilant as the forecast indicates potential hazards due to these severe weather changes.

The department warns that wind speeds could exceed 30 knots, with projections reaching over 35 knots by Saturday and Sunday. This uptick is expected to continue until a noted calming on Monday. Coastal counties, in particular, face significant threats with waves anticipated to surpass two meters, potentially impairing visibility and disrupting both fishing and shipping activities.

Kenya Met has advised those residing in the coastal and affected areas to be on the lookout for gale conditions, which consist of very strong winds that pose serious risks, including the potential for roofs to be blown off and structural damage. “Large waves may lower visibility and affect marine activities,” the department noted.

The likelihood of these adverse weather phenomena occurring stands at a moderate 33 to 66 percent. This warning comes in light of ongoing heavy rains that have already created flooding issues and displaced numerous families throughout Kenya.

Further complicating matters, rains are expected to continue in various regions including the Highlands, Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, Coast, and northwestern areas. Nighttime temperatures, meanwhile, may plummet to as low as 9°C, adding to the precarious situation residents are currently grappling with.

In summary, the Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a weather warning for this weekend, highlighting serious concerns over strong winds and high ocean waves. Affected areas include multiple counties, especially those along the coast. With the expectation of increasingly dangerous conditions, residents are urged to exercise caution. The situation is further exacerbated by ongoing heavy rains and potential flooding, which could complicate safety efforts.

Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke