Kenya Met Forecasts Rainfall In Several Regions Despite Dry Spell

The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (Kenya Met) has forecast continued rainfall in several parts of the country during the week of June 9 to June 15, even as most regions are expected to experience generally dry weather conditions.

According to the agency’s latest weekly weather outlook, Kenya will largely remain dry over the forecast period. However, residents in parts of the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley as well as the Coastal region should prepare for intermittent rainfall and cloudy conditions.

Areas expected to receive rainfall include Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kericho, Nyeri, Meru, Embu, Murang’a, Kisii, Kakamega, Bungoma, Mombasa, Kwale, and Kilifi counties.

These regions are among the country’s key agricultural zones and are likely to benefit from the anticipated wet spells. In its forecast, Kenya Met noted that while dry weather will dominate across much of the country, occasional rainfall is expected in select areas.

“Most parts of the country are expected to be generally dry. However, some parts of the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley and the Coast may receive rainfall,” the agency stated.

The forecast comes at a time when many farmers are closely monitoring weather patterns to guide their agricultural activities.

The expected rainfall in the highland regions could provide much-needed moisture for crops and pasture, particularly in areas that rely heavily on rain-fed agriculture.

Beyond rainfall, Kenya Met has also warned of cool and cloudy weather conditions affecting parts of the Southeastern Lowlands, sections of the Rift Valley, and Northeastern Kenya.

Counties likely to experience these conditions include Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Taita-Taveta, and parts of Kajiado. Similar weather is also expected in Narok, Baringo, Turkana, and Samburu counties, as well as the northeastern counties of Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera.

These regions, which are generally characterized by arid and semi-arid conditions, play a crucial role in Kenya’s livestock sector. The cooler weather may provide temporary relief from the intense heat often experienced in these areas, although rainfall is expected to remain limited.

At the same time, Kenya Met has cautioned residents in several counties to prepare for high daytime temperatures, with maximum temperatures expected to exceed 30 degrees Celsius in a number of locations. Areas likely to experience the hottest conditions include Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Voi, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, and Lodwar.

The forecast indicates that elevated temperatures will be felt across the Coast region, the Southeastern Lowlands, parts of the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, as well as Northeastern and Northwestern Kenya.

Counties such as Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Taita-Taveta, Kajiado, Narok, Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera are expected to remain particularly hot during the day.

Meteorologists have advised residents in these areas to take precautions against heat-related illnesses by staying hydrated, limiting prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and ensuring livestock have access to adequate water supplies.

While daytime temperatures are expected to remain high in many parts of the country, nighttime conditions will present a stark contrast in several high-altitude regions.

Minimum temperatures are forecast to fall below 10 degrees Celsius in areas such as Nyeri, Nakuru, and Naivasha, creating chilly overnight and early morning conditions.

The Mt. Kilimanjaro region, including Taveta and parts of Kajiado County, is also expected to experience cold nights during the forecast period. Residents in these areas may need to take additional measures to stay warm, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people with underlying health conditions.

For farmers in the highland regions, the combination of rainfall and cooler temperatures could influence planting schedules, crop management practices, and dairy production activities. Agricultural experts are encouraging farmers to take advantage of the forecast rainfall while remaining alert to changing weather conditions.

Meanwhile, pastoralists in the country’s drier regions, particularly Turkana, Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera, are being urged to closely monitor weather updates as temperatures remain significantly above 30 degrees Celsius.

The persistent heat could increase pressure on water resources and grazing fields, making weather preparedness essential for livestock-dependent communities.

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