The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of extremely cold days between the months of June and August 2018. The weatherman advised Kenyans should also expect an end of prolonged and devastating rains and floods in most parts of the country.
“The March-April-May 2018 seasonal rainfall has ceased over most parts of the country except the Western region and the Coastal strip.
This has paved way for the usually cold June-July-August season that has set in over the Central regions, Nairobi area, parts of Western Kenya and central Rift Valley,” the weatherman said in a statement seen by TUKO.co.ke on Tuesday, June 19.
According to the meteorological department, temperatures are expected to drop significantly in most parts of the country in the coming days.
This will be more so in the Central Highlands including Nairobi where cold and cloudy conditions with occasional drizzles or light rains will occur more often. Daytime temperatures will occasionally fall below 18°C,” the advisory statement read.
The Northern and Western parts of Kenya are expected to experience near average temperatures and the southern regions cooler than average temperatures going by the forecast.
“The Central Highlands (Kiambu, Nyeri, Embu, Meru, Murang’a and Kirinyaga) and Nairobi area are likely to experience long periods of cold and cloudy conditions with occasional morning light rains or drizzles,” the met department said.
And just like during the rainy days, the weatherman warned the long cold season will also come with its own share of challenges.
“In areas such as Nairobi, Central Highlands, and parts of the Highlands west of the Rift Valley, cases of respiratory diseases like asthma, pneumonia and common colds are expected to increase,” the weatherman warned.
The general public, especially the young and elderly, have been advised to keep warm by adopting a warm dress code to avoid contracting such diseases.
Road and air transport will also most likely be affected by the cold weather.
“Poor visibility resulting from foggy conditions is likely to a pose danger to motorists and pedestrians. Landing and takeoff at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) may occasionally be disrupted. All must take utmost care to minimize accidents that may result from such weather conditions,” the met department advised.
The cold season comes after a prolonged rainy season which left behind a trail of destruction and deaths in most parts of the country.
