Kenya Met Issues Rainfall Forecast for Nairobi, Other Regions for Next 7 Days
Kenyans are being urged to prepare for a mix of heavy rains and sweltering heat over the next seven days, as the country enters the short rains season.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has released its latest forecast, predicting a dynamic weather pattern affecting various regions across the nation.
High temperatures exceeding 30°C are expected to hit parts of the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, Coast, South-eastern lowlands, and North-eastern Kenya, bringing an intense heatwave to areas already grappling with drought conditions.
Meanwhile, night temperatures are expected to plummet below 10°C in parts of the Central Rift Valley and the South-eastern lowlands, marking a significant contrast in weather extremes.
Heavy rainfall being experienced at a town in Kenya and a photo insert of Kenya Met boss David Gikungu
KNA
Kenya Met
Residents in Nairobi and its surrounding areas can expect temperatures to soar to 29°C, with Thika expected to experience highs of 31°C.
The unpredictable weather will bring intermittent cloudiness in the mornings, followed by sunny intervals, and afternoon showers expected to blanket parts of Nairobi, Nyeri, Kiambu, and other highland regions east of the Rift Valley.
Mombasa and other coastal regions will not be spared from this shifting climate. Morning, afternoon, and night showers are forecast to drench these areas during the latter half of the week, disrupting the usually sunny and dry conditions the region enjoys.
For those living in the Rift Valley, a mix of sunny mornings followed by afternoon showers and thunderstorms will become the norm, with Kisii, Kericho, and Nakuru among the affected areas. Meanwhile, North-western counties such as Turkana and Samburu will experience sunny days, though scattered thunderstorms are possible.
Likewise, the South-eastern lowlands, including Machakos and Kitui, will experience sunny days with occasional showers in the mornings and afternoons.
As the rainfall patterns intensify, farmers in regions like Kakamega and Kisumu are being advised to prepare for potential disruptions to harvesting plans, while city dwellers in Nairobi should brace for wet commutes.
This advisory has sparked discussions about the ongoing climate changes affecting Kenya. While the rains will bring relief to some drought-stricken areas, the intense temperatures pose a challenge, particularly in regions that rely heavily on agriculture and pastoralism.
The Met Department has urged caution, particularly for those travelling across areas likely to experience sudden thunderstorms or flash floods.
“Average night-time (minimum) temperatures will be low (less than 10°C) over some parts of the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, the Central Rift Valley and the South-eastern lowlands,” stated David Gikungu, Director Kenya Met.
Kenya Meteorological Department Director David Gikungu speaking during a conference in Nairobi on February 28, 2024.
Photo
Kenya Meteorological Department
