Kenya Met Lists Counties Set For Heavy Rain And Thunderstorms This Week

The Kenya Meteorological Department (Kenya Met) has issued a fresh advisory urging Kenyans across the country to prepare for sustained rainfall over the next five days.

In its latest weather outlook covering the period from Tuesday, February 24 to Saturday, February 28, the Kenya Met widespread showers in several regions, with some counties expected to experience heavy downpours, thunderstorms, and a noticeable drop in temperatures.

According to the weatherman, counties such as Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Mombasa, Kisumu, Turkana, Kericho and Marsabit are likely to receive significant rainfall throughout the week.

The department cautioned that the rains in these areas may at times be accompanied by thunderstorms and intermittent cold conditions, particularly in the evenings and early mornings. Residents have been advised to remain vigilant, especially in flood-prone zones and areas susceptible to poor drainage.

In the central highlands and surrounding regions, including Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Nairobi counties, showers are expected to occur frequently, with thunderstorms developing in several locations.

These counties will experience relatively cool conditions compared to other parts of the country, with maximum daytime temperatures projected to reach 29°C, while night-time and early morning temperatures may drop to as low as 10°C. The cooler temperatures are likely to be more pronounced in high-altitude areas.

The eastern and southeastern parts of the country will also not be spared from the wet conditions. Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado and Taita Taveta counties, together with inland sections of Tana River County, are forecast to receive showers accompanied by thunderstorms during the entire outlook period.

In these areas, daytime temperatures are expected to rise to a maximum of 34°C, while minimum temperatures will hover around 15°C. The combination of warm daytime conditions and storm activity could result in intense but short-lived downpours.

Along the Coast, residents of Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale counties, as well as coastal parts of Tana River County, should anticipate intermittent showers over the next seven days. Unlike other regions where thunderstorms are predicted, the coastal strip is largely expected to experience light to moderate showers. Temperatures in these counties will remain relatively warm and humid, with maximum temperatures forecast at 33°C and minimum temperatures around 22°C.

In western Kenya and parts of the Rift Valley, rains accompanied by thunderstorms are expected to persist in 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 counties.

The department projects that these regions will record maximum temperatures of about 30°C and minimum temperatures of approximately 12°C. The frequent storms in these areas may disrupt outdoor activities and travel, particularly in rural zones where roads are prone to becoming muddy and slippery.

In the northern counties of Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Isiolo, rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is also expected during the forecast period. Despite the rains, these areas will remain comparatively hot, with daytime temperatures reaching highs of 37°C and night-time lows of about 18°C. Similar weather patterns are anticipated in Turkana and Samburu counties, where maximum temperatures are forecast to hit 37°C, while minimum temperatures may fall to 10°C in some locations.

Kenya Met has urged the public to stay updated through official weather advisories and to take necessary precautions. Farmers are encouraged to take advantage of the rainfall for planting where appropriate, while motorists are advised to exercise caution on wet roads. The department continues to monitor weather developments and will issue updates should there be any significant changes in the forecast.

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