Headed into July, near to below-average rainfall is expected over the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, Central, and South Rift Valley, conditions conducive for harvesting. Farmers in these areas are advised to take advantage of the dry spells expected within the month to harvest their produce and reduce post-harvest losses.
Climate Outlook for July 2023: Depressed Rainfall Threatens Crop Production
According to The Kenya Meteorological Department’s Climate Outlook for July 2023, depressed rainfall is likely to negatively affect the production of crops that have not yet matured, especially in areas that received below-average rainfall in June and are expected to continue receiving depressed rainfall.
There may be incidences of crop damage by frost in parts of the Highlands East of the Rift Valley as the cold season reaches its peak during the month.
Drought Alert: Food and Water Shortages in Taita Taveta and Kitui Counties
Food, water, pasture, and browsing vegetation shortages may be experienced in counties that are in the drought alert phase, i.e., Taita Taveta and Kitui owing to the dry conditions expected in these regions during the month. Relevant authorities are advised to closely monitor the situation to avert any negative impacts that may affect the livelihoods in these areas.
The Forecast for July 2023
The July 2023 weather outlook indicates that several parts of the country will be generally dry and sunny.
Temperatures are expected to be warmer than usual across the whole country.
Occasional cool and cloudy conditions accompanied by light rains are expected to prevail in the Central Highlands and Nairobi area and some parts of the Southeastern lowlands, western Kenya, and central Rift Valley during the month.
Highlands west of the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, Central, and Southern Rift Valley are likely to receive near to below-average rainfall.
The northwestern region is likely to remain generally dry though a few areas bordering Uganda and South Sudan may experience occasional rainfall that is expected to be below average.
The coastal strip is likely to receive near-average rainfall.
Climate Outlook for July, August, and September 2023
The forecast for the next three months indicates that several parts of the country are expected to experience dry weather conditions.
However, the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, Central, and parts of the South Rift Valley are expected to receive rainfall that is likely to be below the July to September long-term mean (LTM).
The rest of the country is expected to remain generally sunny and dry. Temperatures are expected to be warmer than usual over the whole country.
Weather Review for June 2023
In June 2023, several parts of the country remained relatively dry.
However, rainfall was recorded in the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Central and Southern Rift Valleys, the Coastal Strip as well as a few areas over the Highlands East of the Rift Valley.
This rainfall was near to below the long-term averages for the month of June over most stations, with the exception of Meru and Thika, where above-average rainfall was recorded.
The below-average rainfall in the Highlands West of the Rift Valley affected agricultural activities, specifically in West Pokot.
Maize crops in the region withered due to water stress, resulting in reduced yields and potential crop failure. Support and assistance from the government may be necessary to mitigate the losses and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
For specific areas and a more detailed breakdown, the full report can be accessed here: Kenya Meteorological Department