Rainfall is expected to continue across several parts of Kenya on Tuesday, with the country experiencing a mix of showers, cool temperatures and widespread cloudy conditions, according to the latest weather forecast released by the Kenya Meteorological Department.
The forecast indicates that a number of regions will receive rainfall as the cool season persists across much of the country. Areas likely to experience showers include the Lake Victoria Basin, the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley and the Coastal region.
The weather department also expects intermittent cool and cloudy conditions to prevail over the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Southeastern Lowlands, the Rift Valley and parts of Northeastern Kenya.
Residents in these areas have been advised to prepare for fluctuating weather conditions, with overcast skies likely to dominate much of the day. Although daytime temperatures are expected to remain relatively cool across many parts of the country, significant regional differences will continue to be observed.
According to the forecast, maximum average daytime temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius are expected in parts of the Coastal region as well as Northeastern and Northwestern Kenya, where hot conditions will persist despite the possibility of isolated rainfall
In contrast, the central highlands and Rift Valley regions are expected to remain considerably cooler throughout the day.
Night-time temperatures are also forecast to drop sharply in several areas. The Kenya Meteorological Department projects minimum temperatures of below 10 degrees Celsius in parts of the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, the Central Rift Valley and areas surrounding Mount Kilimanjaro.
Residents in these regions are likely to experience chilly mornings and nights, particularly in elevated areas where temperatures typically fall during this time of the year.
In its seven-day weather outlook, the department forecasts cumulative rainfall totals of between five and 10 millimetres across several counties. The affected areas include Narok, Nyeri, Nakuru, Kakamega, Bungoma and parts of Trans Nzoia, where light to moderate rainfall is expected over the review period.
Similar rainfall amounts are also expected in sections of the Coast, including Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu and Tana River counties. The rainfall is likely to provide temporary relief to some areas that have experienced prolonged dry conditions while also supporting ongoing agricultural activities.
However, meteorologists note that localized flooding may still occur in low-lying areas where drainage systems are inadequate or where repeated showers are recorded over a short period.
The latest weather outlook comes at a time of growing concern among climate experts over the possible return of El Niño conditions later this year, with global agencies warning that the phenomenon could have far-reaching consequences for food production, livelihoods and disaster risk across several regions.
A recent joint report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) identifies Kenya among 22 countries worldwide that could face significant impacts as the developing El Niño weather pattern strengthens in the coming months.
According to the report, stronger El Niño conditions are expected to pose serious risks to agriculture, food security and livelihoods well into 2027, particularly in countries that are highly dependent on rain-fed farming.
“Strong El Niño conditions are developing, threatening food security, agriculture and livelihoods across multiple regions into 2027,” the report says.
The agencies note that El Niño is expected to alter global weather patterns, increasing the likelihood of floods and severe storms across the Horn of Africa and parts of Asia while bringing significantly drier-than-normal conditions to Southern Africa, Central America, sections of Asia, the Pacific and parts of Eastern Africa.
For countries in the Horn of Africa that experience two rainy seasons each year, including Kenya, Somalia, Uganda and eastern Ethiopia, the October to December “short rains” season could be particularly wetter than normal if El Niño fully develops.
“By contrast, between October and December, in the bimodal areas of the Horn of Africa, including Somalia, Kenya, Uganda and eastern Ethiopia, El Niño is linked to an increased risk of above-average rainfall and flooding,” the report states.
The report indicates that the climate phenomenon is expected to emerge between late 2026 and early 2027, prompting governments and humanitarian agencies to begin preparations well in advance to reduce potential impacts on vulnerable communities.
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