Kenya Met Warns Of Heavy Rains, Cold And Strong Winds Across Several Regions

The Kenya Meteorological Department (Kenya Met) has released its latest weekly weather forecast, cautioning Kenyans to prepare for persistent rainfall, cold temperatures, and strong winds that are expected to affect multiple regions across the country throughout the week.

In a statement issued by the department, areas within the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, and North-Western Kenya are projected to continue receiving rainfall over the coming days.

Kenya Met has urged residents in these areas to remain alert, especially those in flood-prone regions, due to the likelihood of sustained wet conditions and occasional thunderstorms.

Additionally, the Coastal Region is forecast to experience strong southerly to south-easterly winds, with speeds expected to exceed 25 knots (approximately 12.86 metres per second). These winds may affect maritime activities along the Kenyan coast, prompting the department to advise caution among fishermen, boat operators, and coastal residents.

In central Kenya and the capital, Nairobi, including counties such as Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka, and Nairobi County, the weather is expected to remain relatively stable with sunny intervals in the morning for most of the week.

However, the department noted that Friday and Saturday mornings may see brief periods of rainfall. Residents in these areas should also anticipate afternoon and nighttime showers on several days throughout the week.

Temperature-wise, maximum temperatures are projected to reach 26°C, while minimum temperatures are expected to drop to around 11°C, indicating relatively cool conditions, especially during the night.

In counties located further southeast, namely Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, Taita Taveta, and the inland areas of Tana River County, the forecast indicates that dry and sunny conditions will dominate during the day, with cloudy skies at night. These regions will experience maximum daytime temperatures of about 31°C, while nighttime temperatures could fall to as low as 12°C, a noticeable dip that could lead to chilly nights.

The coastal counties of Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, and parts of Tana River County are expected to experience light to moderate showers in isolated areas for much of the week. The weather is forecast to clear briefly during Tuesday morning, Thursday morning and afternoon, and parts of Friday and Saturday afternoons, when sunny spells are expected.

During this period, residents in these regions can expect daytime highs of up to 30°C, with nighttime lows of around 21°C. The intermittent showers may affect daily routines and transport along the coast, and locals are encouraged to remain prepared.

The Kenya Met also forecasts intense rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in several counties in the west and central Rift Valley regions. These include Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and West Pokot.

These counties will likely experience daylong rainfall events over the next five days, potentially leading to localized flooding and disruption of transport and farming activities. The maximum temperatures in these regions are expected to hover around 30°C, with minimum temperatures falling to about 10°C, signaling chilly and wet conditions.

In Turkana and Samburu counties, residents should brace for showers and rain throughout the day and night during the entire forecast period. The department notes that while these areas will receive significant rainfall, they will also experience some of the highest daytime temperatures, with highs reaching up to 35°C and lows dipping to 11°C.

In the arid and semi-arid regions of Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo, the week is expected to remain predominantly dry and sunny during the day, with cloudy conditions at night.

These counties will register maximum daytime temperatures of around 36°C, making them among the hottest in the country this week, while minimum temperatures are projected to fall to 14°C.

Kenya Met has urged the public, especially those in areas prone to heavy rainfall and flooding, to remain vigilant. Farmers, motorists, and outdoor workers have been advised to plan their activities in line with the forecast to avoid disruption.

Coastal residents and sea users are also cautioned about rough sea conditions resulting from strong winds. The department emphasized that the forecast is subject to regular updates and encouraged Kenyans to monitor official communication channels for real-time weather alerts.

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