The Kenya Meteorological Department has outlined disaster mitigation measures for the rainy season, focusing on proactive engagement with stakeholders and analysis of historical climate data. Principal Meteorologist Joyce Kimutai explained the process of forecast dissemination and the importance of local involvement to prepare for adverse weather impacts. Additionally, Director Dr. David Gikungu noted that recent high temperatures are typical before the onset of seasonal rains.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has implemented disaster mitigation strategies in anticipation of adverse weather conditions, aiming to prepare the country for the evolving climate. Principal Meteorologist Joyce Kimutai detailed the process of informing counties about weather forecasts, starting from the department producing projections that are shared regionally for comprehensive analysis and planning.
Subsequently, participatory workshops involve stakeholders from weather-dependent sectors to create actionable information for disaster preparedness. Kimutai emphasized the importance of understanding historical climate data, stating, “We’ve looked at the climate of the area. The climate tells you what the normal rainfall is for this region.” This data guides estimations of expected rainfall, determining what is classified as normal precipitation.
The meteorological department’s centralized forecasting leads to localized assessments, where experts analyze each region’s climate history to identify typical weather patterns. For instance, in the lakes region, normal rainfall averages 120 millimeters, with extremes possibly reaching up to 300 millimeters during above-normal seasons. Kimutai elaborated, “When we say a season will be above normal, we are saying most days of that season… will be above normal.”
Kimutai also highlighted the benefit of collaborating with local communities, particularly farmers, to inform them of forecast implications for economic activities. This proactive engagement aims to mitigate risks associated with extreme weather conditions effectively.
Additionally, Kenya Meteorological Department Director Dr. David Gikungu addressed recent high temperatures, noting peaks of 32°C in areas like Nairobi and Kiambu, while other regions exceeded 36°C. He clarified that these temperatures are typical prior to long rainfalls, influenced by the sun’s position relative to the equator and resulting atmospheric instability, leading to varied weather patterns.
The Kenya Meteorological Department is actively preparing for potential disasters associated with changing weather patterns by disseminating important forecasts and engaging with communities. Through workshops and collaboration with stakeholders, particularly in agricultural sectors, they aim to mitigate risks linked to extreme weather events, enhancing resilience through informed decision-making. Understanding historical climate data underpins their strategies for predicting rainfall and preparing communities for the upcoming rainy season.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
