Weatherman predicts above normal rains in Nakuru for the next three months

Nakuru residents should brace up for another period of heavy rains as the weatherman predicts above average rainfall for the next three months.

Many parts of Nakuru county which are classified as the western zones by the Meteorological department are expected to experience episodes of increased rainfall for the period between October, November and December.

Dr David Gikungu, the director Kenya Meteorological department explains that the region is expected to receive rainfall with occasional breaks (dry spells) throughout the short rains period.

“The anticipated rainfall is likely to be near or slightly above the long-term average amounts for the season,” states Dr Gikungu.

The rains are expected to continue from September and end in the third or fourth week of December which will be fairly distributed.

The weatherman however ruled out instances of flooding noting that the rains will be heavy in the high altitude areas.

There are also expectations of storm incidents in some parts of the county, where the rains will be above normal as per the predictions.

“The zones where we expect high rainfalls are fairly high grounds but places which are closer to the lake and ought not to have settlement may be affected by the flooding rain waters,” says Dr Gikungu.

Following the weather forecast information, the ministry of Agriculture has called upon farmers to take advantage of the rains to plant crops.

“With the heavy rains we are expecting to have increased agricultural production as crops will be able to flourish which farmers will also get enough feed for the animals,” says Ms Jane Njeri.

Ms Njeri who spoke on behalf of the ministry notes that the period of rains will lead to bumper harvest and advised farmers to buy high quality seeds for better yields.

She however warned against farming along the riparian lands which she said may experience floods.

“Some of the negative impacts that we can anticipate are flooding and land degradation. We are however advising our farmers not to occupy or farm in the riparian or flood plains,” adds Ms Njeri.

Ares in Nakuru which are prone to flooding include Mwariki, Rhonda, Kaptembwa , Bangladesh in Nakuru West, Kivumbini, Flamingo in Nakuru East and  Karagita in Naivasha.