By Gift Briton

Several parts of Kenya are expected to receive below-average rainfall during the month of December except over some parts of western and northeastern regions where near-average rainfall is likely to occur.

This is according to the Kenya Meteorological Department(KMD) monthly forecast, which observes that as a month normally marked by the cessation of the October-November-December (OND) short-rains, rainfall distribution throughout December, both in time and space, is expected to be generally poor with OND 2022 seasonal rainfall likely to cease between the second to fourth weeks of the month in several parts of the country.

Narok, Nakuru, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi, Laikipia, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma and Busia counties are expected to experience occasional light to moderate rainfall.

However, rainfall cessation is likely to happen between the third to fourth week of December except in Narok where cessation is expected between the Fourth week of December 2022 to the first week of January 2023.

Also, in Nairobi, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi counties, occasional light to moderate rainfall is expected during the month with cessation likely to be between the third and fourth weeks of December 2022.

Furthermore, Turkana and Samburu counties are likely to remain sunny and dry for most of the period. However, a few areas may experience light rainfall especially those along the Kenya – Uganda border, whereas Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Isiolo counties are also expected to remain sunny and dry for most of the period with occasional light to moderate rainfall.

In Kajiado, Kitui, Makueni, Machakos and Taita Taveta, Mombasa, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu and Kwale counties, occasional below-average rainfall is expected during the month with cessation likely to be between the third and fourth weeks of December 2022.

Meanwhile, the weather body also predicts that in the next three months, several parts of the country are likely to experience dry weather conditions, with occasional rainfall in December. According to KMD, Highlands West of the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, Central and South Rift Valley may experience occasional rainfall over a few places in the next three months. However, this rainfall is expected to be near to below the December-January-February long-term means(LTMs).

The Highlands East of the Rift Valley and the Southeastern lowlands are expected to receive occasional rainfall in December and remain generally dry in January and February. However, a few days may experience rainfall both in January and February.

Also, the coastal region is expected to receive occasional rainfall in December and remain generally dry in January and February, while northeast and northwestern regions are likely to remain generally dry throughout the forecast period. However, a few days may experience rainfall during the month of December.

The mean temperatures are expected to be warmer than usual over the whole country with increased probabilities over the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, Central and South Rift Valley, Southeastern lowlands, and the extreme northern parts bordering Ethiopia.