Dry weather to persist into February

Most parts of the country will continue to experience dry, sunny weather in February, according to the weatherman.

The Meteorological Department says the same weather conditions that were experienced in January will continue for the rest of February, with very few areas in the country experiencing occasional showers.

“The forecast for February indicates that the entire country will still be generally sunny and dry throughout the month. A few areas in Western Kenya and Central Rift Valley are, however, likely to experience light rainfall amounts that may occasionally spread to the Central regions,” said Deputy Director at Meteorological Department Peter Ambeje.

Despite the expected dry weather, Mr Ambeje pointed out that enhanced cultivation of land in readiness for the 2015 long-rains, which begins around March, is expected.

He pointed out that further reduction of foliage and pasture in the pastoral areas of Northwestern, North Eastern and South Eastern Kenya is expected.

“This may lead to loss of livestock if contingency measures are not put into place,” he said.

On top of reduced foliage, the dry weather is expected to affect the availability of water in both North Western and North Eastern; areas often hit by drought.

“The water levels in the Seven-Forks hydroelectric power generation dams are expected to lower further due to the expected dry conditions and high day-time temperatures expected in February,” Ambeje pointed out.

Frost formation

Areas that experience high day-time temperatures and low night-time temperatures especially some parts of western and central highland as well as the central Rift Valley may experience the formation of frost this month.

According to the weatherman, rainfall amounts recorded in January did not exceed 5mm.

The hot and dry weather conditions experienced in January according to the met department saw some areas in the country experience loss of crops that had yet to mature following the poor performance of 2014 short-rains and high evaporation rates due to high temperatures.

“Higher than average day-time (maximum) temperatures were recorded at most meteorological stations in the country during the month of January. This was more in North Eastern and North Western,” Ambeje said.

The forecast for the months of March and April, Ambeje said, will be released later this month.