List Of Counties Expected To Experience Heavy Rainfall This Weekend

The Kenya Meteorological Department (Kenya Met) has issued an extensive weekend weather advisory urging millions of Kenyans to prepare for moderate to heavy rainfall expected to pound large parts of the country from Friday through Monday.

In its detailed forecast released on Friday, February 20, Keny Met warned that a significant shift in weather patterns would bring sustained rainfall to several regions, including the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, sections of the South-eastern Lowlands, and parts of the Coast.

Counties in the Highlands East region are expected to receive some of the heaviest downpours during the five-day period. According to the advisory, residents in Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Nairobi should brace for intense rainfall, particularly in the afternoons.

Kenya Met noted that the weather pattern will typically feature sunny intervals in the morning hours, followed by cloud build-up and heavy afternoon showers. In some areas, the rainfall could extend into the night, raising concerns over potential flooding in low-lying zones and urban centers with poor drainage systems.

Farmers in these agriculturally productive counties have been advised to take advantage of the rains while also implementing measures to prevent soil erosion and waterlogging, especially in areas known to experience flash floods.

In the Rift Valley and the Lake Victoria Basin, heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms are forecast in Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, and Uasin Gishu counties.

The weather department cautioned that these storms could be intense, particularly in the late afternoon and evening hours. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant for possible flash floods, especially in areas near rivers, lakeshores, and flood-prone settlements. Strong winds and lightning strikes may also accompany thunderstorms, posing risks to both people and livestock.

A similar pattern is expected in Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and West Pokot counties. In these regions, rainfall may persist intermittently throughout the day, with occasional night showers likely to continue through Monday, February 23.

Transport and infrastructure disruptions are possible, particularly along major highways traversing the Rift Valley escarpments, where heavy rains have previously triggered landslides and reduced visibility for motorists.

Counties in the South-eastern Lowlands, including Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, Taita Taveta, and inland parts of Tana River County, are also expected to experience substantial rainfall.

The forecast indicates that mornings in these areas will generally begin with light showers or cloudy conditions, followed by sunny intervals. However, heavier rainfall is projected to develop later in the afternoon, with some areas likely to experience night showers.

Residents have been encouraged to secure property, clear drainage channels, and avoid crossing swollen rivers. In arid and semi-arid parts of these counties, the rains may offer relief to farmers and pastoralists who have been grappling with dry conditions in recent weeks.

While much of the country is set for heavy rainfall, lighter showers are forecast along the Coast. Residents in Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale counties should expect occasional light rains, interspersed with warm and humid conditions typical of the coastal climate.

The department indicated that although rainfall amounts may be lower compared to inland regions, sporadic showers could still disrupt outdoor activities and marine operations.

In contrast, northern counties including Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo are projected to remain largely sunny and dry over the five days. Daytime temperatures in these areas are expected to remain high, with clear skies dominating much of the forecast window.

The weather department emphasized the importance of staying updated through official forecasts and advisories, particularly for communities in flood-prone regions. Kenyans have been urged to heed safety warnings, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy downpours, and follow guidance issued by local authorities.

As the country transitions through this rainy spell, authorities continue to monitor weather systems closely, with further updates expected should conditions intensify or shift in the coming days.

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