The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a weather advisory warning Kenyans to prepare for continued rainfall in several regions during the first half of this week.
In a seven-day forecast released on Monday, January 27, 2025, the Director of Meteorological Services, David Gikungu, outlined areas expected to experience significant rainfall, particularly the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and parts of the southeastern lowlands.
The affected counties include Nandi, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Siaya, Busia, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans-Nzoia, Uasin-Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, West-Pokot, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, and Narok.
Morning rains are expected in isolated areas, while afternoon and nighttime showers and thunderstorms may spread across multiple regions.
Dry Conditions in Some Areas
In contrast, most parts of the Coast, northeastern, and northwestern Kenya are expected to remain generally sunny and dry. Average daytime temperatures in these regions are forecast to exceed 30°C, while nighttime temperatures in parts of the Highlands East of the Rift Valley and the North and Central Rift Valley are likely to drop below 10°C.
“Rainfall is expected to continue over the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and the southeastern lowlands during the first half of the forecast period. Most parts of the Coast, northeastern, and northwestern Kenya are likely to be sunny and dry, with average daytime temperatures exceeding 30°C. Nighttime temperatures could drop below 10°C in some parts of the Highlands East of the Rift Valley and the North and Central Rift Valley,” Gikungu noted.
Northwestern and Northeastern Weather
In northwestern counties such as Turkana and Samburu, sunny intervals are expected during the day, with partly cloudy skies at night. However, occasional morning rains and scattered afternoon and nighttime showers or thunderstorms may occur in a few areas during the week.
Similarly, northeastern counties, including Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo, are likely to experience sunny intervals during the day and partly cloudy nights. Morning rains, along with isolated showers and thunderstorms, could occur in some areas.
Nairobi and Surrounding Areas
In the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, which include Nairobi, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, and Tharaka-Nithi counties, morning rains are expected in a few locations. Afternoon and nighttime showers and thunderstorms are likely to occur sporadically, spreading to more areas as the week progresses.
Southeastern Lowlands
Counties in the southeastern lowlands—such as Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, Taita-Taveta, and parts of Tana River—are projected to experience morning rains as well as afternoon and nighttime showers and thunderstorms over a few areas during the forecast period.
The Meteorological Department has advised residents in the affected areas to stay vigilant, monitor weather updates, and take precautions to avoid risks associated with heavy rainfall and low nighttime temperatures.
