The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a weather advisory for August, highlighting potential risks to public health, transport, agriculture, and water resources as the country experiences predominantly dry and cool conditions.
Health Concerns
Cool temperatures expected in regions including Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Nairobi may lead to a rise in respiratory illnesses such as asthma, pneumonia, influenza, and the common cold.
Deputy Director and Senior Meteorologist Kennedy Thiong'o warned that strong southerly to south-easterly winds, exceeding 25 knots in parts of the Coast, north-eastern, northern, and eastern Kenya, could exacerbate respiratory and eye conditions, especially in arid and semi-arid areas due to increased dust exposure.
Transport and Infrastructure
Motorists are urged to exercise caution in the Central Highlands where frequent fog is expected, potentially reducing visibility and increasing road accident risks. Coastal counties including Kwale, Lamu, Mombasa, and Kilifi may experience intermittent rainfall, making roads slippery and hampering construction activities.
Strong winds could disrupt marine transport and damage infrastructure such as roofs and power lines. Fog may also temporarily affect operations at Wilson Airport and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Agricultural and Water Outlook
Near-average to below-average rainfall in parts of western Kenya, the North Rift, and Rift Valley may support harvesting activities. However, extended dry spells earlier in the year have caused crop losses, possibly leading to shortages of food, water, and pasture in some areas.
Water availability is expected to decline in arid and semi-arid counties as catchment areas around Mt Elgon and the Mau Escarpment receive less rainfall, while Mt Kenya catchments remain largely dry. This could reduce water levels in hydroelectric dams.
Extended Weather Patterns
Despite August being one of the coolest months, daytime temperatures will range from 16°C in the Central Highlands up to 37°C in northern Kenya. Nighttime lows may drop to 5°C in some highlands but stay around 26°C in hotter northern counties.
Lightning strikes remain possible in areas such as Kisii, Kericho, Kisumu, Nandi, Bungoma, and Kakamega, particularly near Mt Elgon.
The Kenya Met forecasts that these dry and chilly conditions will likely continue through September, with more widespread seasonal rains expected only in October, prolonging the associated health, transport, and water challenges.
