Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department, David Gikungu. PHOTO/MeteoKenya/X

The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a seven-day weather outlook, forecasting predominantly sunny and dry conditions across much of the country from January 7 to January 13, 2024.

Weather Overview

While most regions are expected to experience dry spells, occasional light to moderate rainfall is forecast in some areas. These include the Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the South Rift Valley, the Coastal region, and the Southeastern Lowlands.

“Mainly sunny and dry weather conditions are expected to prevail over most parts of the country. However, occasional light to moderate rainfall may occur in specific areas,” Kenya Met stated.

Rainfall Distribution

The weather advisory highlighted the following areas and expected conditions:

  • Lake Victoria Basin, Central, and South Rift Valley:
    Counties such as Nandi, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Siaya, Busia, Nakuru, Trans-Nzoia, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, and Narok may experience occasional afternoon showers and thunderstorms throughout the week. Moderate rainfall is expected on Thursday.

“Mornings will largely have sunny intervals, while occasional afternoon showers and thunderstorms may occur. Nights are expected to be partly cloudy, with some areas in Narok and the Lake Victoria Basin experiencing occasional showers,” the statement read.

  • Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi:
    Counties such as Nyandarua, Nyeri, Laikipia, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, and Tharaka-Nithi will see occasional afternoon showers. A few areas may experience rainfall on Friday.

“Morning sunny intervals are expected, while occasional afternoon showers may occur in some places. Nights will generally be partly cloudy, with showers expected in a few areas on Friday,” the advisory added.

Temperature Outlook

Daytime temperatures are expected to exceed 30°C in the Coastal region, Northeastern Kenya, Northwestern Kenya, parts of Western Kenya, and the Southeastern Lowlands. Cooler nights are anticipated in the Central Highlands, Central and South Rift Valley, and parts of the Southeastern Lowlands, with temperatures dropping below 10°C.

  • Daytime:
    “Maximum temperatures above 30°C will be experienced over the Coast, Northeastern, Northwestern, parts of the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, and Southeastern Lowlands,” Kenya Met noted.
  • Nighttime:
    “Minimum temperatures below 10°C are expected in some parts of the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, Central and South Rift Valley, and Southeastern Lowlands.”

Advisory

Residents in affected areas are advised to stay informed about weather updates and take precautions against extreme temperatures or sudden weather changes. The Kenya Meteorological Department will continue to monitor weather patterns and provide updates as necessary.