The Kenya Meteorological Department says August marks the beginning of the end of the cold season. “The month of August marks the gradual cessation of the cold season, particularly over the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi County,” says Director of Meteorological Service Dr. David Gikungu.
In a statement, Dr. Gikungu is calling for caution in the transport sector that could continue to have disruptions due to poor visibility as a result of fog formation. “Fog formation in the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi County, can significantly reduce visibility, posing a danger to motorists,” he says and adds “there is a risk of accidents, on the Kikuyu-Kinungi stretch of the Nairobi to Naivasha Highway, hence motorists are advised to exercise heightened caution, ensuring they drive at reduced speeds and maintain safe distances between vehicles to mitigate the risks associated with fog.”
Dr. Gikungu is also cautioning that fog formation could cause disruptions at major transportation hubs. “Specifically, operations at Wilson and Jomo Kenyatta International Airports could experience interruptions due to reduced visibility, which might affect flight schedules and overall airport operations,” says the Director of Met Service.
Even as the month is expected to see a gradual cessation of the cold season, the Met Department says parts of Kajiado County may experience a few chilly days, with daytime temperatures occasionally falling below 18°C. The rest of the country is likely to experience moderate temperatures ranging between 20°C and 30°C.
The anticipated cool and chilly conditions, he says, are likely to lead to an increase in respiratory diseases such as asthma, pneumonia, flu, and the common cold, particularly in areas such as Nairobi, the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, parts of the Central and South Rift Valley, and parts of the Highlands West of the Rift Valley.
“To reduce the risk of contracting these illnesses, the general public is advised to dress warmly and adhere to guidelines provided by Health Authorities,” he notes and adds, “it is crucial to avoid using charcoal jikos in poorly ventilated homes, as they emit carbon monoxide gas, which can be harmful and potentially fatal if inhaled.”
The Weatherman is further warning that water availability in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) may decline due to the anticipated dry weather conditions. Residents are advised to use the available water sparingly and adopt water conservation practices “to ensure their water needs are met throughout the month.”
In the statement, the Met Department is calling on the public to practice rainwater harvesting in areas expected to receive rainfall, including the water catchment areas in the Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley which are expected to receive above-average rainfall. “As a result, the water levels in the dams and rivers within these catchment areas are likely to be maintained, ensuring a stable water supply for various uses, including agriculture, domestic consumption, and hydropower generation,” says Dr. Gikungu.
