Kenya Met says cool and chilly conditions expected over some parts could lead to an increase in respiratory illnesses, including asthma, pneumonia, influenza and the common cold. /AI IMAGE
Kenyans should brace for an increased risk of respiratory illnesses, poor visibility on major roads and reduced water availability in some regions as the country heads into a predominantly dry and chilly August.
The Kenya Meteorological Department says the weather conditions expected during the month—and likely to persist into September before more widespread rainfall arrives in October—could pose challenges to public health, transport, agriculture, water resources and disaster management.
Health
Kenya Met identifies health as one of the sectors likely to feel the greatest effects of the August weather.
It says cool and chilly conditions expected over parts of Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Nairobi could lead to an increase in respiratory illnesses, including asthma, pneumonia, influenza and the common cold.
Strong southerly to south-easterly winds exceeding 25 knots are also expected intermittently across parts of the Coast, north-eastern and northern Kenya, as well as sections of eastern Kenya.
Deputy director and senior meteorologist Kennedy Thiong'o warned that dry conditions and strong winds could worsen health risks in Kenya's arid and semi-arid lands.
"In arid and semi-arid regions that are expected to remain dry, dust exposure driven by strong winds may aggravate respiratory problems and eye infections," he said.
The forecast indicates that temperatures will remain warmer than average across the country despite August traditionally being one of Kenya's coolest months.
Daytime temperatures are expected to range from about 16°C in the Central Highlands to as high as 37°C in parts of northern Kenya, while minimum temperatures could fall to 5°C in some highland areas but remain as high as 26°C in the hotter northern counties.
Agriculture
The department says near-average to below-average rainfall expected across parts of western Kenya, the North Rift and sections of the Rift Valley is likely to support harvesting activities.
However, prolonged dry conditions experienced in previous months could leave some areas facing shortages of food, water, pasture and browse following crop losses recorded earlier in the year.
Transport and infrastructure
Motorists have also been urged to exercise caution, particularly in the Central Highlands where fog is expected to be frequent during the month.
"Fog is likely to reduce visibility on roads that traverse highland areas, increasing the risk of road accidents and delays. In Kwale, Lamu, Mombasa, and Kilifi, intermittent rainfall may make roads slippery and affect construction activities," Thiong'o said.
The weatherman added that strong winds forecast over parts of the Coast, north-eastern and northern Kenya could disrupt marine transport and damage infrastructure, including roofs and power lines.
Fog may also occasionally interrupt operations at Wilson Airport and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Water resources
Kenya Met also projects that water availability in arid and semi-arid counties could decline as dry conditions persist through much of the month.
The department also expects water catchment areas around Mt Elgon and the Mau Escarpment to receive near-average to below-average rainfall, while Mt Kenya catchments are forecast to remain largely dry, conditions that could lower water levels in hydroelectric dams.
The department has also warned that lightning strikes remain possible in parts of Kisii, Kericho, Kisumu, Nandi, Bungoma, particularly around Mt Elgon, and Kakamega despite the generally dry outlook.
It said many of these weather patterns are expected to continue beyond August.
The August-September-October outlook projects largely dry conditions across much of the country before more widespread seasonal rainfall develops in October.
This meaning several of the associated health, transport and water-related risks could persist beyond one month.
