Farmers in parts of western Kenya and the Rift Valley may have to contend with little rain in September, according to the latest weather forecast by the Kenya Meteorological Service.
The areas expected to receive below-average rainfall include Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Siaya, Vihiga, Nandi and Uasin Gishu.
Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Kisumu, Kericho, Nyamira, Kisii, Bomet, Migori and Homa Bay are also on the list. Some parts of Narok, Nakuru and Baringo are expected to experience the same conditions.
Kenya Met said the dry weather could help farmers who are already harvesting their crops. But for those still depending on rainfall, the forecast could bring more problems.
According to the body, low precipitation levels will result in water scarcity, pasture and food scarcity, particularly in places where crops have already been destroyed due to lack of rain.
Dry weather will be witnessed in water catchment zones within the country.
According to the statement from Kenya Met, the Mt Elgon and the Mau Escarpment will experience lower levels of rainfall than normal levels, whereas Mt Kenya catchment zone will be mostly dry.
This will have an effect on the level of water in hydro-electric power dams such as the Masinga Dam.
On the other hand, in northern and eastern parts of the country, the following regions will experience water scarcity due to the dry weather conditions; Mandera, Wajir, Isiolo, Marsabit, Garissa, Turkana and Samburu.
This comes at a difficult period for the food industry.
The government recently announced plans to import 25 million bags of maize as it works to deal with shortages in the market.
The dairy sector is also feeling the effects of the dry weather. Milk deliveries to processors dropped from 84.4 million litres in June to 81.3 million litres in July, mainly due to reduced pasture and fodder.
For farmers, the September forecast is another warning to keep a close eye on available water and pasture as the month gets underway.