The Following Regions To Experience Strong Winds And Large Wave

The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a weather advisory warning of strong southerly winds and high ocean waves set to affect several parts of the country from the early morning of Friday, May 23, to late morning on Sunday, May 25, 2025.

The alert, released on Thursday, highlights a moderate likelihood of occurrence, with probabilities ranging between 33 to 66 percent, signaling the need for public vigilance and preparedness.

According to the Met Department, the adverse weather conditions are expected to begin at 3:00 a.m. on Friday and persist until 11:00 a.m. on Sunday. These strong southerly winds are forecast to impact several regions, including the coastal strip, the South-eastern lowlands, and the northwestern parts of Kenya.

On Friday, wind speeds are projected to exceed 30 knots, equivalent to 15.4 meters per second, making it hazardous, especially for marine and structural safety.

The situation is expected to intensify over the weekend, with wind speeds anticipated to surge beyond 35 knots (18.0 m/s) on both Saturday and Sunday. However, some relief is expected early next week, with the department forecasting a reduction in wind strength to around 25 knots (12.9 m/s) by Monday, May 26.

In addition to the strong winds, wave activity over the Indian Ocean is also expected to escalate. Coastal waters are likely to experience wave heights exceeding two meters from Friday through Sunday, posing a risk to small vessels and other maritime operations. These wave heights are forecast to subside to below two meters starting Monday.

The areas likely to be most affected by these weather conditions include a wide swathe of counties: Marsabit, Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Kitui, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale. The Meteorological Department is urging residents in these regions to take necessary precautions against the expected gales and large waves.

“Strong winds may blow off roofs and cause structural damage, while large waves may reduce visibility and disrupt marine activities,” read a statement from the department. Residents are being urged to secure structures and avoid venturing into the sea during the peak periods of the forecast.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has assured the public that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide timely updates should the forecast change or become more severe.

This latest weather advisory comes at a time when much of the country is already experiencing significant rainfall. On Tuesday, the Met Department outlined areas expected to receive rain from May 20 to May 26, including parts of the Central Highlands, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the Coast, as well as western and northwestern Kenya.

The ongoing rain, combined with the anticipated strong winds and ocean conditions, raises concerns about compounded weather risks, including flooding and transport disruptions in vulnerable areas.

In terms of temperatures, daytime readings are expected to reach around 30 degrees Celsius in many areas of the Coast, North-eastern, North-western, and the South-eastern lowlands. Conversely, cooler night-time temperatures are forecast, with some regions in the Central Highlands, Western Kenya, the Central Rift Valley, and around Mt Kilimanjaro potentially seeing temperatures drop below 10 degrees Celsius.

The public is advised to stay informed through official channels and heed all safety advisories issued by relevant authorities. Those residing in high-risk areas, particularly near the coast and in structurally vulnerable dwellings, are urged to take extra caution and remain alert throughout the forecast period.

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