The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a weather advisory warning of widespread rainfall across several regions of the country over the next five days, beginning Friday and extending through to Tuesday next week.
According to the forecast released on Friday, April 10, much of the country is expected to experience varying intensities of rain, with some areas likely to receive moderate to heavy downpours accompanied by thunderstorms.
The department indicated that the heaviest rainfall will primarily be concentrated in the Western region, the Lake Victoria Basin, and parts of the Rift Valley, especially over the weekend.
Residents in these areas have been advised to prepare for intense showers that may occur alongside thunder and lightning, potentially disrupting normal activities.
Counties expected to be most affected in these regions include Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and West Pokot.
In these locations, rainfall is predicted to follow a consistent pattern of sunny intervals in the morning, followed by cloud build-up and eventual afternoon and evening showers.
In Central Kenya, a slightly different but still significant weather pattern is expected. Counties such as Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, and Nairobi are forecast to receive moderate rainfall throughout the same period.
These areas are likely to experience light rains during the morning and afternoon hours, with occasional heavier downpours occurring at night. The intermittent nature of the rainfall may create fluctuating conditions, alternating between sunshine, cloud cover, and rain.
A similar outlook has been projected for the Coastal region, including the counties of Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale, as well as the Tana Delta. Residents in these areas should expect a mix of light to moderate rainfall, with occasional showers interrupting otherwise warm and humid conditions typical of the coast.
However, not all parts of the country will experience rainfall. The South-eastern lowland counties, namely Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, and Taita Taveta, are expected to remain largely dry and sunny throughout the forecast period. These regions will continue to experience relatively stable weather conditions, with minimal chances of precipitation.
In addition to rainfall, the meteorological department has highlighted notable temperature variations across the country. Cooler nighttime temperatures, dropping to as low as 6°C, are expected in parts of Central Kenya, including Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, and Nairobi.
Similar cold night conditions are also forecast in several counties within the Rift Valley and Western regions, potentially affecting residents who may need to take precautions against the chill.
Conversely, daytime temperatures are expected to rise above 30°C in the Coastal region, as well as in the South-eastern lowlands, North-eastern, and North-western parts of the country. This contrast between cool nights and hot days in different regions underscores the varied weather patterns expected nationwide.
The marine forecast also provides important information for those operating along the coast. In the morning hours, light to breezy winds blowing from the south to south-west at speeds ranging between 2.57 and 9.77 metres per second are expected.
Sea conditions during this time will range from slight to moderately wavy. As the day progresses into the afternoon, winds will remain generally light to moderate, shifting slightly but maintaining a southerly direction at speeds of 4.12 to 7.20 metres per second. The sea state is expected to remain between slight and moderate wave levels.
Overall, the Kenya Meteorological Department is urging residents in affected regions to stay informed through regular weather updates and to take necessary precautions, particularly in areas prone to flooding or storm-related disruptions.
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