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Kenya Met Department Predicts Heavy Rainfall After Prolonged Dry Spell

BY Getrude Mathayo · February 28, 2025 12:02 pm

After weeks of persistent sunny and dry weather throughout the country, experts at the Kenya Meteorological Department have predicted the arrival of much-needed rainfall in the upcoming weeks.

According to a senior meteorologist who addressed the press on Thursday, February 27, the country is expected to start receiving rainfall from the third week of March, marking the end of the prolonged dry spell that has been a concern for many.

The expert explained that the expected rains would not only be significant but would also persist for an extended period.

“Our projections indicate that the upcoming rainy season will be characterized by heavy and sustained rainfall lasting approximately five months, from mid-March to late July,” he stated.

With this forecast in mind, farmers across the country have been urged to begin their preparations for the planting season without delay. The meteorologist noted that early land preparation would be crucial for a successful farming season.

“For those who prefer dry planting methods, the first two weeks of March will be ideal for them to proceed,” the expert advised. “This will allow their crops to be well-positioned for germination once the rains commence in the third week of March.”

The assurance of Impending rainfall comes as a relief to many farmers, some of whom had expressed concerns about the continued dry conditions. Several farmers had begun contemplating delaying or even skipping this season’s planting due to the lack of the short, occasional showers that typically mark the beginning of the year.

The announcement by the Kenya Meteorological Department follows weeks of hot and dry weather, which has left many regions grappling with high temperatures and parched landscapes.

Many parts of the country have experienced scorching temperatures, with some areas recording daytime highs exceeding 30°C. In its weekly weather advisory, the meteorological department had previously warned Kenyans of extreme heat between February 25 and March 3, cautioning that the hot and dry conditions would persist.

“Most parts of the country will experience hot and sunny conditions, with temperatures expected to rise above 30°C,” the advisory stated. “Regions such as Central Kenya, the Rift Valley, the Southeastern lowlands, and the Lake Victoria Basin will see temperatures ranging between 25°C and 30°C.”

The advisory also noted that night time temperatures in certain areas would drop significantly, especially in regions around Central Kenya, the Rift Valley, and Mount Kilimanjaro, where temperatures were expected to fall below 10°C.

With the long-awaited rains now on the horizon, there is renewed hope among farmers, environmentalists, and citizens across the country. Many are optimistic that the upcoming rainy season will provide relief to agricultural communities and help replenish water sources that have been drying up due to the persistent heat.

Experts have advised Kenyans, particularly those in flood-prone regions, to remain alert and take necessary precautions as heavy rains could lead to flooding in some areas. Additionally, farmers have been encouraged to take advantage of the rainfall forecast to maximize crop yields and ensure food security for the coming months.

As the country awaits the onset of the rains, the Kenya Meteorological Department has assured the public that it will continue to monitor weather patterns closely and provide timely updates to ensure that Kenyans are well-prepared for the changing weather conditions.