Kenya Met Warns Of Heavy Rains, Chilly Conditions, Strong Winds In The Following Regions

The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a fresh advisory to Kenyans, urging residents across several regions of the country to prepare for fluctuating weather conditions over the next five days.

The department’s weekly forecast, released on Tuesday, August 26, indicates that many parts of the country should brace for more rainfall, chilly mornings, cloudy skies, and strong winds that will persist up to Saturday, August 30.

According to the weatherman, rainfall will remain widespread in the western parts of the country, particularly in the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, and several parts of the Rift Valley. The rains, which are expected both during the day and night, could intensify in some counties, raising concerns about localized flooding and disruption of transport services.

On the other hand, counties in the eastern and central highlands are forecast to experience relatively cold mornings and cloudy conditions, with light showers expected in some areas. The South-Eastern lowlands and parts of the Rift Valley will also experience chilly weather, especially during the early morning and late evening hours.

In addition to rainfall, the Meteorological Department has warned that strong south-easterly winds, exceeding speeds of 25 knots, are likely to sweep across the coastal strip and extend into sections of the South Eastern lowlands, North Eastern, and North Western Kenya.

These winds could disrupt marine activities along the Indian Ocean coastline, particularly in counties such as Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale. Fishermen, small boat operators, and residents living close to the ocean have been urged to exercise caution during this period.

In Central Kenya and parts of the capital city, including Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka, and Nairobi counties, residents are expected to experience relatively mild weather. Sunny intervals are forecast in the mornings throughout the week, followed by light afternoon showers in a few places up until Thursday.

However, conditions are projected to become sunnier towards Friday and Saturday afternoons. At night, the same regions will be dominated by cloudy skies.

The forecast further indicates that maximum daytime temperatures in these counties could rise to about 26°C, while night-time temperatures may drop significantly, reaching lows of up to 7°C. Such chilly nights may particularly affect vulnerable groups, including young children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory complications.

Counties in the Lake Basin and Rift Valley are expected to bear the brunt of persistent rainfall. 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. In these regions, rain is expected both during the day and at night all the way through to Saturday.

Daytime temperatures in these counties are forecast to reach highs of 27°C, while minimums could drop to around 10°C. The sustained wet weather could lead to slippery roads, landslides in hilly areas, and crop destruction in flood-prone zones.

Meanwhile, coastal counties, including Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, and parts of Tana River, will experience predominantly sunny weather during the day. Cloudy conditions will dominate at night, offering some relief from the daytime heat. Temperatures across the coastal strip will range between 20°C at night and 30°C during the day.

In counties such as Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, and Taita Taveta, as well as inland parts of Tana River County, residents will experience mostly sunny conditions throughout the day for the better part of the week. However, nights are expected to turn cloudy. The highest temperatures in these regions are predicted to climb to 31°C, while the lowest could fall to about 11°C.

In the arid and semi-arid lands, weather conditions will vary from county to county. Turkana and Samburu are forecast to receive intermittent showers and thunderstorms both during the day and at night until Saturday. Daytime highs will average 32°C, while night-time lows may fall to 11°C.

Elsewhere in northern counties such as Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo, the weather is expected to remain predominantly sunny during the day, with cloudy conditions taking over at night. Temperatures in these regions are expected to be the highest countrywide, with daytime maximums soaring up to 36°C, while night-time lows could drop to about 14°C.

The Weatherman has called on Kenyans to stay alert and make the necessary adjustments to cope with the changing weather conditions. Farmers in rain-fed areas have been encouraged to take advantage of the continued rains for agricultural activities, while those in regions prone to storms and flooding are advised to take precautionary measures.

Motorists have also been cautioned to drive carefully on slippery roads, particularly in western and Rift Valley counties, where heavy rainfall is expected to persist. Residents along the coastal strip have been warned of strong winds that could interfere with fishing and other maritime operations.

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