Farmers in Highlands West of the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, Central, and South Rift Valley areas should take advantage of the dry spells expected within August to harvest their produce to reduce post-harvest losses.
According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, relatively reduced rainfall (near to below average) is expected in these regions over the coming month.
Cases of hailstorms may also occur in parts of the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, and Central Rift Valley (Nyahururu area) and may lead to the destruction of crops.
According to the report Taita Taveta County which is in a drought alert phase owing to the dry conditions expected in the region during the month may face food, water, pasture, and browse shortages.
Relevant authorities are advised to closely monitor the situation to avert any negative impacts that may affect the livelihoods in these areas.
Declined Water Availability in ASAL Counties
Water availability over Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) may decline due to the dry weather conditions expected in these areas.
Residents are advised to use the available water sparingly and embrace water conservation practices to ensure their water needs are met during the month. Rainwater harvesting is encouraged in areas expected to receive rainfall.
The water catchment areas over the Highlands West of the Rift Valley are expected to receive below-average rainfall during the month, while those over the Highlands East of the Rift Valley are expected to experience mainly dry weather conditions.
Specific Rainfall Outlook
The Lake Victoria Basin, Highlands West of the Rift Valley, Central, and South Rift Valley (Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Laikipia, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma and Busia): Occasional rainfall is expected during the month of August 2023. The expected total rainfall amount is likely to be near to below the long-term average amounts for August.
Northwestern (Turkana, West Pokot, Samburu): Occasional rainfall is expected during the month, especially in regions bordering South Sudan and Northern Uganda. The expected total rainfall amount is likely to be below the long-term average amounts for August. Strong southeasterly to easterly winds of more than 25 knots (12.5m/s) are likely during the month.
The Coastal Strip (Mombasa, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale): The Coastal Strip is expected to experience generally dry conditions with occasional showers during the month. Strong southerly winds of more than 25 knots (12.5m/s) are likely.
Highlands East of the Rift Valley (including Nairobi County): (Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Nairobi): These counties are expected to experience occasional cool and cloudy conditions (overcast skies) with occasional light rains. Occasional afternoon showers are likely to occur especially at the beginning of the month. In some parts of Nyandarua and Laikipia counties, occasional hailstorms are likely.
Southeastern Lowlands (Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, Taita Taveta, and parts of Kajiado): These areas are likely to remain generally sunny and dry. However, occasional cool and cloudy conditions are however likely to occur over some counties, especially those bordering the Highlands East of the Rift Valley.
Northeastern Kenya (Mandera, Marsabit, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo): These areas are likely to remain generally sunny and dry. Strong southerly winds of more than 25 knots (12.5m/s) are likely over some parts during the month.
Temperature Forecast for August 2023
Temperatures are expected to be higher than average across the whole country.
The month of August marks the cessation of the cold season especially over the Highlands East of the Rift Valley (including Nairobi County).
The temperature outlook for August 2023 indicates that the whole country is likely to experience warmer-than-average temperatures.
However, the Highlands East of the Rift Valley including Nairobi County and a few areas over southeastern lowlands (Northern Kajiado) may experience a few chilly days with daytime temperatures occasionally falling below 18°C.
Most of the northern sector is likely to experience high temperatures (>30°C) except
over Marsabit and parts of Isiolo counties where temperatures are expected to be moderate.
The rest of the country is likely to experience moderate temperatures between 20 to 30°C.