The Kenya Meteorological Department is preparing for adverse weather by implementing disaster mitigation strategies. Key efforts include generating accurate weather forecasts, engaging stakeholders, and understanding regional climate norms. Principal Meteorologist Joyce Kimutai and Dr. David Gikungu provided insights into the effects of recent high temperatures and their relationship with future rainfall patterns.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has proactively outlined disaster mitigation strategies to prepare the country for severe weather, responding to recent changing climatic conditions. Principal Meteorologist Joyce Kimutai discussed the process of generating and disseminating weather forecasts to counties during a television interview. This effort entails an initial forecast followed by county analyses to facilitate informed planning and preparation.
Subsequently, participatory workshops are convened to engage stakeholders in weather-sensitive fields, fostering collaborative approaches to disaster readiness. Kimutai emphasized the importance of understanding regional climate norms, stating that forecast accuracy stems from a thorough assessment of historical weather patterns. For instance, she noted that in the lake region, rainfall can surpass normal levels, significantly impacting agricultural planning.
Kimutai further clarified, “For example, in the lake region, if the normal is 120 millimetres, the above normal can be above that, reaching 200 or even 300 millimetres.” This nuanced overview underscores that predictions of above-normal seasons imply that a majority of days in those seasons will experience heavier rainfall.
Additionally, the importance of engaging stakeholders, especially local communities and farmers, was highlighted by Kimutai. This engagement aims to integrate forecast impacts into decision-making processes, enabling communities to mitigate potential risks associated with extreme weather.
Furthermore, Dr. David Gikungu, Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department, provided context for the unusually high temperatures recorded in December and January, with peaks reaching 32°C in parts of the Highlands and over 36°C in other areas. This temperature spike is typical prior to the arrival of the long rains, as the sun’s position shifts above the equator, influencing atmospheric conditions and weather patterns.
The Kenya Meteorological Department is implementing a comprehensive strategy to prepare for adverse weather through systematic forecasting and stakeholder engagement. By understanding regional climatic norms and promoting collaboration, the department aims to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather, thereby enhancing community resilience and risk management. Overall, these measures are critical to safeguarding both lives and livelihoods in the face of changing climate patterns.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
