Kenyans Warned of Heavy Rainfall Starting From Exactly this Date.

Kenya is set to experience heavier than usual rainfall during the March, April, and May long-rains season, according to a regional climate outlook released by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

The statement issued on Tuesday, January 27, indicated that central and western Kenya have a 45 per cent probability of receiving above-normal rainfall, a trend also expected in neighboring Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Djibouti, and Somalia.

IGAD further highlighted that north-eastern and south-western Kenya, parts of South Sudan, most of Somalia, coastal Tanzania, and isolated areas of Uganda and Ethiopia have a 40 per cent chance of experiencing near-normal rainfall, signalling uneven distribution across the region.

The climate body explained that most countries are likely to see a normal to early onset of the rainy season, though some localised areas in Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Somalia may face delayed rains, potentially affecting pastoralists and farmers.

Despite the generally wet outlook, IGAD warned that coastal parts of Kenya may experience drier than usual conditions, while regions in Kenya, Sudan, Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Tanzania could record higher than average temperatures.

The warning follows a period of sunny and dry weather in Kenya since early January, with the Kenya Meteorological Department projecting mostly dry conditions through February and temperatures in counties including Nairobi rising to 30°C.

Meteorologists have urged residents and authorities to prepare for potential floods, strong winds exceeding 25 knots in northern regions, and sudden weather changes, recalling past seasons when heavy rains caused displacement, infrastructure damage, and crop losses.

Officials are encouraging communities to strengthen early warning systems, clear drainage channels, and take preventive measures to reduce risks posed by flooding and landslides during the upcoming rainy season.