Drink Water- Kenyans Warned Of Dry Spell In Most Parts Of The Country

The Kenya Meteorological Department has cautioned Kenyans to brace for periods of dry spells after having to encounter heavy rains which impacted most parts of the country at the start of January this year.

In its weekly weather update released on Monday night, January 22 and covering the week of January 23-29, the weatherman announced that the dry weather period would affect most parts of the country.

However, some regions will still experience rainfall, though the intensity will range from light to moderate compared to the heavy rains experienced last week.

"Weather Outlook (23-29 Jan 2024): Expect dry conditions in most parts of the country. However, pockets of light to moderate rainfall are likely in the South Rift Valley, South-eastern lowlands, Central Highlands, Western Kenya, and the Coast," the statement read in part.

The weather agency further urged residents along the Coast, as well as in North-eastern and North-western Kenya to brace for sweltering-high daytime temperatures soaring above 30°C.

Despite many residents expecting warm weather to be a good thing, Kenya Met advised them, especially those living in those regions, to increase their uptake in water and other hydrating products as well as wear sunscreen to protect their skin from the Ultra-Violet (UV) rays coming from the sun.

"High daytime temperatures above 30°C anticipated for the Coast, North-eastern, and North-western Kenya. Embrace the warmth, but stay hydrated and sun-protected in these regions," the statement added.

The Central Highlands, in particular, were singled out, however, the residents would be displeased to know that a few areas might experience low average night temperatures dipping below 10°C.

"Nighttime low temperatures! A few areas in the Central Highlands might experience low average night temperatures dipping below 10°C.

"Prepare for cooler evenings in these areas as indicated in the forecast map," the weatherman forecasted.

On Saturday, January 13, Kenya Met forecasted week-long heavy rains as well as the likely presence of storms particularly in Nairobi and several parts of the country from January 14 to January 20.

The advisory came as several parts of Nairobi were affected by floods following heavy rains on Friday night, January 12. Some houses were submerged in flood waters, and roads were rendered impassable.

Motorists were captured manoeuvring flooded sections of roads on Mombasa Road, Kenyatta, and Haile Selassie avenues. Pedestrians on the other hand sought help to cross roads as walking passages were flooded.

The floods also affected residents living in Garden Estate as most of the blame was attributed to poor drainage in the capital city.

Towards the end of 2023, meteorologists predicted that the El Nino weather phenomenon would be witnessed in the country until December.

However, the United Nations (UN), through its World Meteorological Organization (WMO), said that the El Nino phenomenon, which triggers higher global temperatures, is expected to last until at least April 2024.

Heavy rains in Nairobi CBD on January 19, 2024. /MARVIN CHEGE.VIRAL TEA KE