July‐August rainfall in West‐Central Kenya

Abstract The annual rainfall distribution in west‐central Kenya (34°−38°E, 1°N–1°S) exhibits marked spatial variation because of the complicated nature of the local topography. The annual distributions are classified into a number of types on the basis of ‘rainfall seasons’. Over parts of the area of study, precipitation falling in July and August makes an important contribution to the yearly total (up to 33 per cent). The spatial variation of the rainfall in this period, during the so‐called ‘dry season’ over much of Kenya (between the two main ‘monsoon’ rains) is examined in some detail, especially its relationship with altitude. The distribution of the July and August rainfall indicates that it is associated with a westerly airstream overlying the lowest layers of the atmosphere.