Kenya has entered the March-April-May (MAM) long rains season, with rainfall already being recorded in several parts of the country, the Meteorological Department has said.
In an update issued Tuesday, the department said the onset of the long rains was recorded from mid-February in western, central and highland regions, including Nairobi.
Farmers have been urged to take note of the changing rainfall patterns in the coming weeks to guide planting decisions.
“Farmers are advised to consult Agricultural Extension Officers for further guidance and decision making,” the department said.
The South-eastern lowlands and the South Coast experienced the onset in the fourth week of February, while the Northwestern and the North-eastern regions are expected to receive the onset between late March and early April.
According to the department, the onset of the season is defined by the receipt of at least 20 millimetres of rainfall within three consecutive days, followed by no dry spell longer than seven days.
The early season rainfall has been linked to favourable atmospheric conditions, including enhanced convective activity associated with the Madden-Julian Oscillation.
However, forecasters caution that rainfall patterns may shift as the season progresses.
“Indications suggest that the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) is likely to transition to less favourable phases from mid-March, which may result in a reduction in rainfall amounts and an increased likelihood of dry spells, as the convective environment becomes suppressed over some regions,” the department said.
The Meteorological Department advised the public to follow regular short- and medium-range forecasts, including daily, five-day and monthly updates, as well as county-level forecasts issued by County Meteorological Offices.
