The Following Regions To Experience Heavy Rains For Next 7 Days

The Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department, Dr. David Gikungu, has issued a comprehensive weather forecast warning the country to prepare for a sustained period of intense rainfall across multiple regions.

In a public notice released on the evening of Monday, April 21, Gikungu stated that the country should expect heavy downpours between Tuesday, April 22, and Monday, April 28, with several counties likely to experience significant weather disruptions.

According to Dr. Gikungu, the rains will be widespread and particularly intense in areas such as the Central Highlands, which include the capital Nairobi, as well as in Western Kenya, the Lake Victoria Basin, Southeastern Lowlands, the Central and Southern parts of the Rift Valley, and the Northeastern region of the country.

These areas are likely to experience not only sustained rainfall but also thunderstorms and scattered showers throughout the day and night.

The forecast shows that counties located in Central Kenya, among them Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, and Nairobi, will experience moderate rainfall during the early part of the week, transitioning into heavy downpours as the week progresses.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has advised residents in these counties to remain vigilant and make necessary preparations for the increased rainfall, which may lead to flooding, especially in low-lying areas.

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Similarly, the Lake Victoria Basin and the Rift Valley are expected to bear the brunt of the heavy rains. Counties such as Nandi, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Siaya, Busia, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, and Uasin Gishu are expected to receive persistent rainfall throughout the seven days.

Also in the path of the rains are Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, and Narok, all of which have been flagged for potential flooding, landslides, and transport disruptions due to the anticipated high water levels.

The southeastern lowland counties, including Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, and Taita-Taveta, along with the inland parts of Tana River County, are not spared either. Dr. Gikungu stated that these areas are likely to experience widespread rains, with morning showers expected to give way to more intense afternoon and nighttime thunderstorms.

The rainfall may intermittently spread to adjacent regions, especially during the early days of the forecast period. Aside from rainfall, temperature extremes are also anticipated. Coastal, Northeastern, and parts of Northwestern Kenya will endure high daytime temperatures, with mercury levels exceeding 30°C in some locations.

Affected counties include Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale, as well as the coastal zones of Tana River. The high temperatures will also extend to arid and semi-arid regions such as Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo. This combination of heat and rainfall could increase the risk of heat stress and complicate weather-sensitive activities like farming and travel.

On the other end of the spectrum, nighttime temperatures are expected to drop significantly, particularly in the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, parts of the Central Rift, and around Mt. Kilimanjaro. Some areas may record nighttime temperatures of less than 10°C.

These chilly conditions will be felt in counties such as Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, and Nairobi. Western counties, including Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Siaya, Busia, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, and Elgeyo Marakwet, will also experience a significant dip in nighttime temperatures.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has urged the public to take necessary precautions. Motorists are advised to drive carefully due to slippery roads and reduced visibility, while residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to remain alert and follow evacuation orders if issued.

Farmers, too, are being cautioned to monitor the weather closely to avoid losses during the planting season.

Dr. Gikungu concluded the advisory by emphasizing the importance of staying updated with daily forecasts and being aware of changing weather patterns during this period, as the rains could be disruptive but are essential for replenishing water reservoirs, supporting agriculture, and stabilizing the country’s climate system.

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