The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of moderate to heavy rainfall in several parts of the country over the next five days, from January 29 to February 2.
Speaking on Wednesday, January 29, Kenya Met Director General David Gikungu announced that the rainfall would affect regions including the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and parts of the Southeastern lowlands.
According to Gikungu, these areas will experience intermittent rainfall in the first half of the forecast period, with the Southwestern and South Rift Valley regions expected to receive consistent rainfall throughout.
The counties projected to receive heavy downpours include Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, and Kakamega.
Rainfall Patterns and Affected Areas
Gikungu noted that these counties would experience intense rains mainly in the afternoon, while morning and night showers would be lighter.
Additionally, counties in the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi, will receive heavy rains for the first two days of the forecast period. However, rainfall in these areas is expected to subside by the weekend, with sunny conditions forecasted for Saturday, February 1, and Sunday, February 2.
Meanwhile, counties in the Southeastern region, including Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, and Taita Taveta, as well as inland parts of Tana River County, will experience moderate rainfall over the five-day period.
On the other hand, coastal, northeastern, and northwestern Kenya are expected to remain mostly dry and sunny, although some areas may experience occasional showers at the beginning of the forecast period.
Temperature Advisory
The meteorological department also warned of cold nighttime temperatures in counties such as Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Nairobi.
According to the forecast, night temperatures in these areas could drop to 7°C in the first three days, before slightly rising to 9°C for the remainder of the period.
Conversely, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, and Kakamega will experience high daytime temperatures of up to 31°C.
Residents of Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Isiolo, Mombasa, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale have also been advised to brace for hot conditions in the coming days.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has urged residents in affected regions to take necessary precautions and remain updated with official weather alerts.
