- Kenya Met has warned fishers, boat operators and other Indian Ocean users to exercise extreme caution over the next seven days
- Wave heights could reach three metres on Saturday, October 24, increasing the risks for small boats and people venturing into exposed waters
- The advisory comes as Kenya Met monitors a tropical storm over the Indian Ocean that could bring rainfall to parts of Kenya
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Kenyans planning to venture into the Indian Ocean have been warned to exercise extreme caution over the next seven days as strong winds and rough sea conditions are expected along the coastline.
Source: UGC
In a marine weather advisory issued on Friday, October 23, the Kenya Meteorological Department (Kenya Met) said coastal waters would experience east-south-easterly to south-south-westerly winds, with speeds ranging between 2 and 12 metres per second.
The department cautioned fishers, sailors, boat operators and other sea users against venturing into exposed waters without taking the necessary safety precautions.
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“Mariners, fishers, and other sea users are advised to exercise extreme caution, particularly in areas experiencing rough to very rough seas and strong winds,” Kenya Met stated.
The forecast indicates that sea conditions will vary from light to rough, with some areas potentially experiencing very rough waters depending on wind strength and wave heights.
"MARINE WARNING: DANGEROUS SEA CONDITIONS EXPECTED. Sea state: Rough to very rough wind conditions: Strong breeze to very strong breeze, with locally stronger winds possible. East-south-easterly to south-south-westerly winds are expected over the Kenya coastal and offshore waters, with speeds ranging from 4 to 24 knots (2–12 m/s). Sea conditions are expected to range from light to rough, with locally very rough seas possible in areas experiencing stronger winds and higher waves," the weatherman said.
How high will Indian Ocean waves reach?
According to Kenya Met's seven-day marine forecast, wave heights could reach three metres on Saturday, October 24, posing potential risks to small boats and other vessels operating along the coast and in offshore waters.
On Friday, October 23, waves were forecast to range between 0.3 and two metres. The department projected an increase to between 0.5 and three metres on Saturday.
On Sunday, October 25, wave heights are expected to range from 0.5 to 2.5 metres, before easing to between 0.25 and two metres on Monday.
The department warned that wind speeds could strengthen during the forecast period, although conditions would fluctuate depending on prevailing winds and wave activity.
“Small boats and other vessels operating in exposed waters should take appropriate safety precautions and closely monitor official marine weather updates,” Kenya Met advised.
The warning is particularly relevant to fishers, marine transport operators and people planning recreational activities in coastal waters, where strong winds and high waves can make navigation dangerous.
Will the weather change across Kenya?
The marine warning comes as attention turns to possible changes in weather patterns towards the end of October.
Kenya Met has also been monitoring a tropical storm over the Indian Ocean that could bring rainfall to parts of the country.
According to the weatherman’s seven-day forecast covering October 22 to 29, rainfall is expected in parts of 46 counties, including Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Mombasa, Kisumu, Meru, Machakos, Kakamega, Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Kilifi, Kwale, Kisii, and Uasin Gishu, among others.
Source: TUKO.co.ke