CLIMATE OUTLOOK FOR OCTOBER 2024 AND A REVIEW OF SEPTEMBER 2024.

The Rainfall Outlook for October 2024

• The outlook for October 2024 indicates that the Highlands west of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Central and South Rift Valley, the Northwest, the Highlands east of the Rift Valley (including Nairobi County), isolated areas in the Northeast (parts of Marsabit), and parts of the Southeast (Machakos and parts of Kajiado) are likely to experience near to above-average rainfall for the month. In contrast, the Coastal region, most of the Southeastern lowlands, and the majority of the Northeastern zone are expected to receive near to below-average rainfall.
• The onset of the Short Rains season is anticipated between the fourth week of October and the first week of November over the eastern part of the country, while it is expected to occur in the third to fourth week of October over the central parts, including Nairobi County. The rains are expected to continue from September over the western part of the country. The onset over the Northwest is expected to carry on from September but is likely to be followed by a dry spell.

The Rainfall Review for September 2024

• The Highlands west of the Rift Valley, the Lake Basin, and the Central Rift Valley received significant amounts of rainfall during the month of September. The Highlands east of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi County, also received occasional rainfall during the month, especially at the beginning and towards the end. Cool and cloudy conditions were also experienced at the beginning of the month. The rest of the country remained generally dry, though a few areas over the Coast and isolated areas in Narok, Turkana, Marsabit, and Taita Taveta counties received light to moderate rainfall for a few days.
• Both maximum and minimum temperatures were warmer than normal over most parts, except at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where maximum temperatures were slightly lower than normal.