The MAM 2019 Long Rains updates

The Climate Outlook for the March-April-May (MAM) 2019 “Long Rains” season indicated that most of the country was likely to experience slightly above average rainfall except for parts of Eastern Kenya and the Coastal regions. The seasonal rainfall onset was also expected to be timely over several parts of the country.

However, a Tropical Cyclone known as “IDAI” located in the Mozambican Channel for several days (See Figure 1-Courtesy of Tropical Storm Risk (TSR)) has played a key role in delaying the northward movement of the rain-bearing Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). The cyclone significantly reduced moisture influx into the country and this led to the continued sunny and dry weather conditions over the better part of the country.

There are possibilities of more TCs developing in the South-West Indian Ocean Basin and this may delay further the onset over the eastern sector of the country. Despite
the timely onset of the MAM 2019 seasonal rainfall over the western counties, prolonged dry spells are
likely due to the existence of the TCs.

Back to class. Tropical cyclones

Tropics ni kuku huku:

Authorities in Tanzania have advised people in southern coastal regions to move to safer ground ahead of the expected arrival of a cyclone.

Cyclone Kenneth is predicted to also hit neighbouring northern Mozambique with winds of up to 200km/h (124 mph) and torrential rain.

Residents have been told to expect damage to their houses and farms.

Has made landfall in Mozambique.



Comoros nearly obliterated.