Expect above average rainfall, weatherman says

Kiambu,

Monday, October 2, 2023

KNA by Cedric Karungaru

Kiambu County is expected to have the short rainy season from October to December 2023 which coincides with the El Nino seasonal rains.

Speaking to KNA Magdalene Gateri Director of the Kenya Meteorological department said that most sub counties are expected to receive above average rainfall with the early onset of rains expected in the First and Second weeks of October through to the end of the year and into January 2024.

“Sub counties like Thika, Juja, Ruiru, Kikuyu, some parts of Gatundu North and South, Kiambu, Kabete, some parts of Limuru, parts of Kiambaa, parts of Githunguri and parts of Lari are expected to receive rainfall amounts of less than 10mm cumulatively the first week and between 250mm to 300mm through the whole season” she said. 

Few parts of Gatundu North and South, parts of Githunguri, Kiambaa, Lari and Limuru are expected to receive rainfall of between 10-20mm cumulatively first week and 300mm to 350mm through the season.

High ground areas like Parts of Lari, Gatundu North and South are expected to receive rainfall of more than 20mm cumulatively the first week and between 350mm and 400mm throughout the season.

Gateri outlined the number of ways these seasonal rains can impact the residents of Kiambu, with key sectors such as agriculture, environment, water and irrigation within the county also being affected.

She said residents should be aware of possible flooding, Water sedimentation and siltation and water pollution on surface and underground infrastructure as well as the destruction of infrastructure such as bridges and certain crops.

“We are advising residents to enhance rainwater gathering from even the slightest downpour, ensure that they are using proper water treatment methods as such to avoid waterborne diseases that can be prevalent during this time, we are also calling upon sectors to deal with inadequate infrastructure to bolster their services during this time,” she said. 

Other sectors set to be affected are the health and roads sector with the former having to deal with water borne and water related diseases such as malaria and cholera and the latter having to handle the flash floods that is likely to cause drainage issues within the county.

“Diseases will be on the rise during this time and we are asking the health department to stock on the necessary drugs, ensure sensitization on water treatment as well as continuous education programs and with the roads expected to be slippery coupled with low visibility,” she said. 

El Niño is a climate pattern that describes the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean which changes the climate irregularly and intensely occurring within either a two to seven year period.

Courtesy; KNA