Kenyans warned of heavy rainfall, fluctuating temperatures across the country

Kenyans have been urged to brace for moderate to heavy rainfall and fluctuating temperatures, beginning October 10 and lasting through October 14. The caution was issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department in its latest five-day weather forecast released on Thursday.

The weather department indicated that the regions set to experience rainfall include the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, and the Coast.

These areas will experience maximum temperatures reaching up to 32°C and minimum temperatures dropping to around 10°C.

The forecast highlighted that counties in the Highlands East—Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka, and Nairobi—are expected to receive moderate rainfall, primarily from noon into the night.

Coastal counties, including Mombasa, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale, are projected to experience light rains in the morning that could extend into the afternoon.

In the western part of the country, counties such as Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, and Uasin Gishu are expected to receive heavy rainfall, which will be accompanied by thunderstorms.

Neighbouring counties of Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and West Pokot will likely face similar weather conditions.

“Residents in these areas should be prepared for possible disruptions due to the heavy rains and thunderstorms expected in the coming days,” Director of Meteorological Services David Gikungu said.

Meanwhile, the forecast revealed that other parts of the country will remain dry for the first part of the forecast period.

Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo are expected to have sunny conditions initially, with rains anticipated towards the latter half of the week. The southeastern counties of Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, and Taita Taveta are also expected to follow this pattern.

The weather department further warned of very cold night temperatures in Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka, and Nairobi, predicting temperatures as low as 7°C during the first three days of the forecast, with a slight rise to 8°C afterwards.

In contrast, residents in Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, and Uasin Gishu were warned to prepare for daytime temperatures soaring to 32°C. Similar hot weather conditions are also expected in Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Isiolo, Mombasa, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale.

“The combination of heavy rainfall in some areas and high temperatures in others calls for vigilance and preparation,” the department said in its advisory, advising residents to take necessary precautions.