Laikipia: Weatherman Warns Of Strong Winds As Dry Weather Persists
The forecast follows a week in which light to moderate rainfall was recorded in Kinamba, Lariak, Mutara Orchards, Ol Pejeta, Three Rivers and several other locations. Rainfall increased in a few areas compared with the preceding week, while many monitoring stations remained dry.
By Staff Writer
The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of strong winds exceeding 46 kilometers per hour in the coming days in Laikipia County.
The southerly winds are expected to affect most parts of Laikipia North and Laikipia East between July 21 and 27, posing possible risks to weak structures, trees, power lines, motorists and open fires.
“Strong Southerly winds with speeds exceeding 25Knots are dominant over most places in Laikipia North and Laikipia East,” County Director of Meteorological Services David Njiru said in the weekly forecast.
Twenty-five knots is equivalent to about 46 kilometers per hour. The department did not report any wind-related damage or issue a separate severe-weather warning, but residents in exposed areas may need to secure loose objects and exercise caution.
Most of Laikipia is expected to remain sunny and dry during the forecast period. Light to moderate afternoon showers are, however, possible in a few areas, including Githiga in Laikipia West, parts of Salama and Umande in Laikipia East.
“Mainly sunny and dry conditions are expected over most places,” Njiru said.
The department expects less than 20 millimetres of cumulative rainfall across the county during the seven days. Most of the predicted rain is likely between Friday and Monday.
The rainfall map indicates totals below 10 millimetres across most of Laikipia. Pockets of Salama, Githiga, Igwamiti and areas around Umande and Segera could receive between 10 and 20 millimetres.
The limited and unevenly distributed showers are unlikely to provide sustained relief from dry conditions across the county. Dry weather combined with strong winds could increase moisture loss from soil and pasture and allow uncontrolled outdoor fires to spread rapidly.
Daytime temperatures are forecast to fall slightly and range between 22°C and 27°C. Minimum nighttime temperatures will range from 5°C to 16°C.
Areas around Nyahururu, Marmanet and communities bordering Mount Kenya are expected to record temperatures below 10°C, potentially exposing residents, outdoor workers and livestock to cold conditions.
“Minimum Temperatures below 10.0°C are likely around Nyahururu, Marmanet and the regions adjacent to Mt Kenya,” Njiru said.
The forecast follows a week in which light to moderate rainfall was recorded in Kinamba, Lariak, Mutara Orchards, Ol Pejeta, Three Rivers and several other locations. Rainfall increased in a few areas compared with the preceding week, while many monitoring stations remained dry.
The highest total shown in the department’s comparison table was 31.5 millimetres at the Ng’arua automatic weather station in Kinamba, up from 6.6 millimetres in the other comparison period. Mutara Zulu 3 at Ol Pejeta recorded 18 millimetres, while Mutara Orchards received 12.2 millimetres.
The Barrier station at Lolldaiga recorded 6.1 millimetres, Sipili 3.4 millimetres, Ol Pejeta’s Oscar 2-5 station 3 millimetres and Three Rivers Academy 2.2 millimetres. Ol Pejeta’s Research station received 1.5 millimetres.
Lower totals included 0.5 millimetres at Lokusero Secondary School and 0.1 millimetres at Dol Dol Boys School. The table also shows 3.8 millimetres at Mugie Conservancy Centre, compared with 4.5 millimetres in the other period, and 3 millimetres at Lariak Secondary School, compared with 3.4 millimetres.
No rain was recorded at several stations, including Lamuria, Survey Secondary School, Kimanjo Primary School, Lolldaiga Northern, the Ol Pejeta Kamock, headquarters and Golf 3 sites, Ol Jogi Main House and Marula, and the Borana Conservancy headquarters and Waitabit stations.
The department said daytime maximum temperatures increased across most areas during the previous week, while minimum nighttime temperatures varied by location.
Under the department’s classification, rainfall below five millimetres is considered light, between five and 20 millimetres moderate, between 20 and 50 millimetres heavy, and above 50 millimetres very heavy. “Few places” means rainfall is expected to cover less than 33 per cent of the specified area.
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