The much-anticipated March-April-May (MAM) long rains have officially begun in parts of Kenya, with the rest of the country expected to experience rainfall soon, according to the Kenya Meteorological Department.
The weatherman stated that the onset of the long rains is marked by a wet spell, characterized by at least 20mm of rainfall over three consecutive days, with no prolonged dry spell of at least seven days within the following 21 days.
For the northern regions, the rainfall threshold is slightly lower, requiring at least 10mm over three consecutive days.
Between March 10 and March 16, rainfall was confirmed in several regions, including the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, Nairobi, parts of the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, the Southeastern Lowlands, and parts of Isiolo County.
Rainfall activity also intensified in the Southeastern Lowlands and parts of Northeastern Kenya compared to the previous week (March 3 to March 9).
More Rain Expected in Coming Weeks
The Kenya Meteorological Department has projected that the remaining parts of the Highlands East of the Rift Valley and the Southeastern Lowlands will experience the onset of rains this week.
The Northeastern region is expected to receive rainfall between March 18 and March 31, though it may be followed by dry spells.
Meanwhile, the Northwestern parts of Kenya and coastal regions will experience occasional rainfall throughout the remainder of March 2025.
However, these rains may not meet the official onset criteria. The peak of the season for the coastal region is expected in May, while full onset in Northwestern Kenya is anticipated in April.
Rainfall will continue over several parts of the country, with isolated heavy downpours likely in key regions.
Areas expected to receive significant rainfall include the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley (including Nairobi County), the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the Southeastern Lowlands, and Northeastern Kenya.
Safety and Agricultural Advisory
The Kenya Meteorological Department has urged residents in affected regions to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions against heavy rains, including possible flooding.
Kenyans are advised to avoid crossing swollen rivers and areas prone to flooding.
Farmers are encouraged to embrace climate-smart agricultural practices by planting early-maturing crops, particularly in regions where the rains may not last the entire season.
And for the arid and semi-arid areas, the locals have further been advised to embrace rainwater harvesting ahead of the dry period set to come after the rains.
