Kenya Meteorological Department Prepares for Rainy Season with Disaster Mitigation Plans

The Kenya Meteorological Department has outlined strategies for disaster mitigation as the rainy season approaches. The department emphasizes forecasting, stakeholder engagement, and analysis of regional climate data to prepare for adverse weather. High temperatures experienced recently are typical before the onset of long rains, influenced by solar positioning. The goal is to reduce risks associated with extreme weather through informed decision-making.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has detailed its disaster mitigation strategies in anticipation of adverse weather conditions. Principal Meteorologist Joyce Kimutai discussed the department’s workflow, which starts by generating climate forecasts, which are communicated to counties for analysis and action planning.

The process includes participatory workshops involving stakeholders from weather-sensitive sectors. These workshops allow for collaborative information gathering to guide preparations. Kimutai emphasized the significance of understanding regional climate norms to inform these decisions.

The Kenya Meteorological Department utilizes a centralized system for distributing weather information before tailoring it for specific areas. Experts analyze historical climate data to ascertain average rainfall patterns and anomalies for each region. Kimutai pointed out that normal rainfall figures, such as 120 millimeters in the lake region, are crucial for understanding potential variations.

Furthermore, Kimutai underscored the importance of engaging local stakeholders, including farmers, to facilitate informed decision-making based on forecasts. Through these collaborations, risks associated with extreme weather can be effectively reduced, enhancing resilience in affected communities.

On March 4, Dr. David Gikungu, the Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department, addressed the recent spike in temperatures across the country. Highs reaching 32°C in areas like Nairobi and Kiambu, and over 36°C in other regions, are typical before the onset of the long rains. This temperature increase is linked to the sun’s movement towards the equator, which affects local weather conditions.

According to Gikungu, this solar positioning causes significant atmospheric heating and low pressure that results in varying weather patterns—leading to heavy rains in some areas while leaving others dry. The understanding of these dynamics is essential for effective disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies.

In summary, the Kenya Meteorological Department is proactively implementing strategies to mitigate weather-related disasters by analyzing regional climate data and engaging local stakeholders. This collaborative approach, coupled with accurate forecasting, aims to minimize risks associated with extreme weather. Understanding climatic variations and their implications is crucial for preparedness as the country braces for the rainy season.

Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke