Kenya Meteorological Department Predicts Heavy Rains and Potential Hailstorms

On Sunday, July 7, 2024, the Kenya Meteorological Department issued an advisory urging Kenyans to brace for increased rainfall throughout July, with potential escalation into hailstorms by August. This forecast has sparked concern and preparation across the country.

The department clarified that the expected rainfall in July is typical for this time of year, a result of the interaction between cold air from the East and warm air from the West.

“It is not unusual to experience rains in July in Kenya. This occurs when cold air from Central and Eastern regions, including Nairobi, interacts with warm moist air from the West,” the Kenya Meteorological Department explained. “The warm air rises over the cold air, leading to heavy adventive rains.”

As this interaction intensifies, hailstorms could become more frequent moving into August and September. “This can be mistaken for snow, but it’s actually a result of the same process that forms a warm front,” the department clarified. “When active weather systems from the West drive warm, moist air into these cooler regions, these weather patterns are anticipated.”

Kenya Meteorological Department Predicts Heavy Rains and Potential Hailstorms

Their projections indicate that Western region counties and Coastal areas could receive up to 180mm of rainfall. Meanwhile, lower Eastern and Northern regions are expected to see moderate to lower levels of rainfall.

Additionally, the department's forecast released on Sunday highlighted that eight regions, including Nairobi, will experience heavy rainfall between 9 AM on July 7 and 9 AM on July 8. These regions include Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyandarua, Nandi, Laikipia, Trans Nzoia, Narok, and Uasin Gishu, with rainfall exceeding 25mm. In contrast, Nairobi is expected to see rainfall below 20mm.

Other areas such as Machakos, Meru, Migori, Homa Bay, Nyamira, Bungoma, and Busia are also predicted to experience similar levels of rainfall.

The forecast also predicts intermittent cool and cloudy weather in the Highlands both East and West of the Rift Valley, as well as in the Southeastern lowlands and the Rift Valley. Rainfall is expected in the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and northwestern Kenya.

With these predictions in mind, Kenyans are advised to prepare for the rainy season ahead, ensuring safety and readiness for potential hailstorms.