Weatherman warns of heavy rains, thunderstorms in 20 counties this week

The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a weather advisory to residents of Nairobi, Kisumu and 18 other counties, urging them to prepare for rainfall and thunderstorms for the next five days.

According to the advisory released on Tuesday, the rainy conditions will be experienced from October 15, 2024, to October 19, 2024.

The highlands west of the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, and the broader Rift Valley region should expect morning rains in scattered areas.

Afternoon and evening showers, along with thunderstorms, are anticipated to intensify in various locations.

In the highlands east of the Rift Valley, which includes Nairobi, Nyeri, and Kiambu, light morning rains and intermittent clouds will give way to sunny spells. However, these areas should remain alert for afternoon showers and possible night rains.

Coastal counties like Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale are predicted to be mostly dry during the day, but residents should prepare for occasional cloudiness at night.

Daytime temperatures in these areas are expected to exceed 30°C, especially in coastal, south eastern, and northern regions.

Meanwhile, chilly nights with temperatures dropping below 10°C are forecast in parts of the central and eastern highlands.

Kenya Met Director-General David Gikungu emphasised the need for vigilance as weather conditions shift and temperatures vary significantly across the country.

He noted that while some regions will experience rain and storms, others will endure high temperatures.

"Coastal and north western areas will face scorching temperatures, while parts of the highlands will be quite cold at night," Gikungu stated.

In western counties such as Kisii, Kakamega, and Vihiga, daily showers and thunderstorms are expected, particularly in the afternoons.

Rainfall patterns are likely to expand from isolated areas to broader regions as the week progresses. The Rift Valley, including Nakuru and Baringo, is also forecast to experience sporadic rain.

Conversely, the arid north eastern counties, including Wajir and Garissa, are set to remain predominantly sunny, with light showers possible in isolated spots, particularly around Marsabit.

Although daytime is expected to be dry, residents should prepare for the chance of night-time showers.

In the south eastern lowlands, covering areas such as Machakos, Kajiado, and Makueni, conditions are expected to remain mostly dry, with rain likely to arrive later in the week.

Tana River's inland regions may remain sunny and dry throughout this period.