Murang’a County is expected to receive depressed and poorly distributed rainfall during the October–December short rain season.
According to the County Director of Meteorology, Peter Karanja, the rains are expected to last for about 62 days.
Speaking to KNA in his office on Thursday, Karanja observed that onset of the rains will be between October 19 and 31, peak in November, and cease between December 14 and 27.
“We are forecasting near to below-normal rainfall compared to the 30-year long-term average. The rain distribution will range from poor to fair, and residents should also expect occasional dry spells during the season,” Karanja explained.
He however warned that despite the overall depressed rains some parts of Murang’a especially upper zones are likely to face sporadic heavy downpours.
“Some parts of the county may experience sudden heavy rainfall, which can trigger flooding and landslides, especially in hilly areas,” he cautioned.
According to the outlook, lower parts of the county are likely to receive between 264 and 400 millimetres of rainfall, while middle and upper zones of Murang’a may record slightly higher totals ranging from 400 to 593 millimetres.
The director further noted the county will also experience warmer-than-average temperatures throughout the season.
Karaja urged farmers to take advantage of the expected rains and consult agricultural extension officers on suitable crop varieties to plant and water conservation methods.
“Farmers need to be advised on early-maturing crop varieties to plant and on farm soil. Water conservation is also essential. Farmers should also seek advice on appropriate livestock husbandry during the rainy period,” he advised.
He further advised residents to harvest and conserve water while calling on health officers to prepare for possible outbreaks of rain-related diseases.
He added that road infrastructure may be negatively affected by occasional heavy rainfall and advised relevant authorities to take precautionary measures to minimise damage to roads and bridges.
Karanja stressed that residents, especially farmers should closely follow continuous weather updates issued by the meteorological department. “The seasonal outlook should be used alongside monthly, weekly, and daily forecasts, as well as severe weather warnings that we will issue from time to time,” he noted.
By Bernard Munyao
