Weatherman warns of scorching heat this week as temperatures soar
In addition to the heat, strong southeasterly winds are expected to exceed 25 knots (12.9m/s) in parts of Turkana, Marsabit, and Garissa counties.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a heat advisory, warning of extremely hot days from Tuesday, January 21, to Monday, January 27.
In the forecast, the weatherman predicted sunny and dry conditions across most of the country, with temperatures expected to soar above 30°C in the Coast, Northeastern, and Northwest regions.
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"Residents living in areas expected to experience temperatures of more than 35°C have a high risk of being infected with skin diseases such as skin rash," warned the forecast from the Department's Director Charles Mugah.
Despite the widespread dry conditions, the weatherman also indicated that some areas could see rains later in the week.
"Occasional rainfall is likely in some areas, including the Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, Nairobi, the Lake Victoria Basin, the South Rift Valley, and the South-eastern lowlands, particularly towards the end of the forecast period. ," stated the forecast.
The department has also warned of chilly nights in certain regions, with temperatures expected to drop below 10°C in the Central Highlands, Central Rift Valley, and South-eastern lowlands.
"Residents in these areas are advised to be on the lookout for cold weather diseases. e.g. Asthma, pneumonia, common cold and flu," added the department's report." said the forecast.
Strong winds
In addition to the heat, strong southeasterly winds are expected to exceed 25 knots (12.9m/s) in parts of Turkana, Marsabit, and Garissa counties.
"These winds are strong enough and able to blow dust, especially over bare grounds. The blown dust may increase the risk of respiratory infections e.g. Cold and flu diseases," warned Muga.
The Lake Victoria Basin, the Central and South Rift Valley, and parts of the Highlands West of the Rift Valley are likely to experience sunny intervals during the day, with some areas expecting morning rains and afternoon showers and thunderstorms towards the end of the week.
For North-western Kenya, including Turkana and Samburu counties, the forecast remains largely sunny with partly cloudy nights.
Meanwhile, the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, encompassing Nairobi, Nyandarua, Nyeri, and other surrounding counties, will experience sunny intervals during the day, though a few areas might get morning rains and afternoon showers towards the week's end. Nights are expected to remain partly cloudy, with some showers likely.
The North Eastern region, including counties like Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo, will also see sunny days and partly cloudy nights.
In the South Eastern lowlands, covering areas like Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, and parts of Taita-Taveta, sunny intervals are expected to dominate. However, a few areas may experience morning rains and afternoon showers later in the week. Nights are likely to be partly cloudy.
"Areas expected to receive more than 50 mm of weekly total rainfall have a high likelihood of occurrence of waterborne diseases like diarrhoea and Vector-borne diseases like Malaria, especially in areas with poor drainage. Residents in these areas are advised to be on the lookout for such diseases and take necessary action," added Muga.
The coastal region, including Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale, will continue to enjoy sunny intervals throughout the day, with light morning showers in some areas.
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