Kenyans should prepare for a week of unpredictable weather, as the Kenya Meteorological Department warns of a blend of heavy rains and scorching heat in the coming days. As regions brace for downpours, other areas will sweat under the pressure of rising temperatures, creating a challenging mix for many.
Beginning from September 26 and running through to October 2, strong winds and varied temperatures are expected to dominate the country's weather patterns.
In particular, the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley are set to experience moderate to heavy rains. Counties like Nyandarua, Laikipia, and Meru are among those forecasted to face these rainfall events, which are likely to occur mostly in the afternoons and evenings.
Meanwhile, the rest of the country could be in for a dry spell.
Over the five days, Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley that is the counties of Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka, and Nairobi are expected to receive the rainfall in the afternoons, with chances of rainfall in the evening.
Temperatures in these areas which include Nairobi, Nakuru, and Kiambu, will swing between a chilly 7°C and a more comfortable 30°C.
The coastal region, including Mombasa, Tana River, and Lamu, will remain hot and dry, with temperatures hovering between 22°C and 31°C. These areas will be relatively cloudless during the day, with cloudy nights offering some respite.
Further inland, areas around Lake Victoria are not spared from the looming downpours. Heavy rains and thunderstorms are expected to drench counties such as Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, and Migori over the weekend and early next week. The forecast paints a picture of persistent rainfall, with morning sunshine quickly giving way to afternoon thunderstorms, creating a challenging environment for locals.
The variability doesn’t end there. As far west as Kisii, Nyamira, and Trans Nzoia, residents will be facing a relentless combination of rain and thunder. Temperatures are expected to fluctuate wildly, with lows of 9°C giving way to highs of 31°C.
North-western Kenya is facing even harsher conditions. In Turkana and Samburu, residents will need to endure searing heat over the next five days. Temperatures will soar to a blistering 36°C, peaking at 37°C on Monday. While rainfall is predicted from Saturday to Tuesday, it offers little comfort, as the heat will remain unrelenting, turning the region into a sweltering mix of sun and rain.
Counties such as Kitui, Makueni, and Machakos will also experience hot, sunny days. Clouds will blanket the skies at night, with temperatures ranging from 11°C to 32°C. While residents can expect some cooler evenings, the daytime heat will be unavoidable, adding yet another layer to the weather challenges facing different parts of the country.
David Gikungu, the Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department, has been clear in his advisory, urging Kenyans to prepare for a range of weather patterns. While certain regions will see persistent rains, others will need to manage under blazing heat, creating a climate of extremes.
As Gikungu pointed out, rainfall will hit many regions, including the Highlands and the Lake Victoria Basin. But for most of the coastal areas, the story remains one of heat and humidity, with minimal chances of rain over the next week.
