Met Department Forecasts Easing Rainfall as Heavy Downpours Hit Key Hubs

The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a weekly forecast indicating that while national rainfall coverage will gradually reduce starting tomorrow, several high-activity regions continue to face heavy downpours. The update, covering March 10 to 16, suggests that the intensity of the current wet spell is expected to ease toward the weekend, although localized weather patterns remain volatile for outdoor working.

Regions currently experiencing significant rainfall include Nairobi, the Central Highlands, Western Kenya, and the Lake Victoria Basin. Parts of the Rift Valley, the South Coast, and the South-Eastern Lowlands are also receiving substantial moisture, which may affect earthworks and foundation pouring for ongoing infrastructure projects in these corridors.

Site managers and logistics teams have been advised to monitor drainage systems around project premises to ensure water channels remain clear. The risk of flash floods remains a primary concern for sites situated in low-lying areas or near drainage channels, where the depth of moving water and potential sub-surface damage may not be immediately visible to operators.

The advisory further warns of reduced visibility and slippery conditions on transit routes. For construction logistics, this necessitates increased following distances and reduced speeds for heavy machinery and material transport vehicles to prevent accidents on wet surfaces. Braking distances for loaded trucks increase significantly in these conditions, requiring extra caution at site entrances and road crossings.

Thunderstorms and lightning are expected to accompany the rainfall in specific areas. Safety officers are encouraged to enforce protocols regarding sheltering, specifically advising personnel against standing under trees, near electricity poles, or in proximity to tall isolated structures during active storms.

By the end of the week, intermittent sunshine is expected to return to several regions, allowing for a potential ramp-up in site activities. However, the intermittent nature of the transition means that the risk of sudden afternoon or evening storms remains a factor for project scheduling through mid-week.