The world meteorological organization is warning of possible record temperatures with the onset of elnino.
According to the organization, the onset of the phenomenon will greatly increase the likelihood of breaking temperatures further.
“The onset of elnino will trigger more extreme heat in many parts of the world and in the ocean – and making the challenge even greater” cautions the United Nations agency.
The organization had earlier predicted that global temperatures were likely to surge to record levels over the next five years, fuelled by heat-trapping greenhouse gases and a naturally occurring El Niño event.
In its report, WMO said there was a 66% likelihood that the annual average near-surface global temperature between 2023 and 2027 will be more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for at least one year.
“This report does not mean that we will permanently exceed the 1.5°C level specified in the Paris Agreement which refers to long-term warming over many years. However, WMO is sounding the alarm that we will breach the 1.5°C level on a temporary basis with increasing frequency,” warned WMO Secretary-General Prof. Petteri Taalas.
The latest outlook coming as most of the country continues to receive sustained rains with the Kenya Meteorological Department warning of possible flooding.
According to the weatherman, the heavy rainfall being experienced over the northeast, northwest and central highlands is expected to intensify until Sunday and spread to Nairobi, the south-eastern lowlands, the western sector.
The weatherman has identified Marsabit, Mandera Wajir, Garissa, Isiolo,Samburu,Turkana,Embu,Nyeri Kiambu, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Murang’a, Meru, Kirinyaga, Tharaka Nithi, Nairobi, Busia, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet, Nakuru, Narok, Migori, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, West Pokot, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Vihiga, Bungoma, Homa Bay, Kisumu, Siaya, Kakamega, Kajiado, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Lamu, Tana-River, Taita Taveta ,Kwale, Kilifi and Mombasa counties as areas of concern.
In its advisory, the department is urging residents in affected regions to be on the lookout for potential floods warning that flood waters may appear in places where it has not rained heavily especially downstream.
In its November weather outlook, the met department’s report had indicated the presence of Elnino conditions and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD which are typically associated with above-average rainfall.
