Occasional rainfall expected across Kenya, weatherman says

The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a weather advisory, warning Kenyans to expect occasional rainfall over the next two days, from Monday, December 23, to Tuesday, December 24, 2024.

The department has identified several regions across the country that are likely to experience moderate to heavy rains, along with potential thunderstorms and cooler temperatures.

In its forecast, the Meteorological Department outlined that the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Central and South Rift Valley, the Southeastern Lowlands, and the Coast are expected to receive rainfall.

The Highlands East counties, including Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Nairobi, are predicted to experience moderate to heavy rainfall, particularly in the afternoon.

"The counties in the Highland East would receive light rainfall in the morning hours but experience heavy downpours in the afternoon," the advisory stated.

These rains are expected to continue intermittently through the period, with the heaviest showers likely in the afternoons.

In addition, the counties of Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, and Nandi are also anticipated to experience above-average rainfall.

These regions are likely to see thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours, especially in the afternoon.

The Meteorological Department has urged residents in these areas to remain alert for the possibility of flooding.

Other counties that are likely to be affected by the weather include Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and West Pokot. These areas can expect similar weather patterns, with occasional rain and thunderstorms.

Meanwhile, the coastal counties of Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale, as well as parts of Tana River County, are predicted to experience light rains both in the morning and afternoon.

Elevated temperatures

Despite the rainfall, these areas will also experience elevated daytime temperatures.

In addition to the rain forecast, the Meteorological Department has issued a cold weather alert for several highland counties.

"The said counties were expected to experience cold nights for the next five days. Night temperatures were projected to drop below 11°C," the advisory noted.

Counties like Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka, and Nairobi are expected to experience chilly nights, which may cause discomfort, especially for those without adequate heating.

On the other hand, some regions are expected to experience very high daytime temperatures.

Counties such as Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, and parts of the coast are forecasted to experience daytime highs exceeding 30°C.

The Meteorological Department has urged residents in all affected areas to take necessary precautions, including being prepared for sudden downpours, keeping warm during the cold nights, and staying hydrated during the hot days.

With varying weather conditions expected across different regions, Kenyans are advised to stay updated on weather changes.