The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of an unpredictable week ahead as the country faces an unusual mix of extreme heat and heavy rains.
Regions such as Nairobi, Nakuru, and Mombasa are expected to experience significant shifts in temperature, leaving many Kenyans bracing for both searing daytime heat and cold nights.
Over the next seven days, starting October 8 to October 14, a large part of the country will be drenched in rains, especially in the highland regions, while other areas will remain hot and dry.
The forecast points to temperatures soaring above 30°C in parts of the Coast, North-eastern, and North-western Kenya, with Nairobi itself seeing highs of 26°C, though other areas like Thika could hit a scorching 31°C.
At night, temperatures will drop, with some areas dipping below 10°C, forcing residents to prepare for cold conditions after sweltering days.
Nairobi will see fluctuating weather, with the city’s daytime temperatures peaking at 26°C, while nighttime chills could drop as low as 11°C. Areas like Ngong, known for its high altitudes, may experience even cooler nights, with forecasts suggesting temperatures could fall to as low as 10°C.
Meteorological authorities have predicted that the regions around Lake Victoria, including Kisii, Kisumu, and Bungoma, will see rainfall throughout the week. Thunderstorms are likely to strike during the afternoons and nights, giving farmers and residents much-needed water but also raising concerns about potential flooding in low-lying areas.
Further north, counties such as Turkana and Samburu will remain mostly sunny during the day. However, despite the heat, nights are expected to bring some relief, with partly cloudy skies moderating temperatures. In contrast, North-eastern counties, including Garissa and Wajir, will experience sunny days, though some areas may see light rains towards the second half of the week.
The unpredictable weather pattern extends to the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, where regions like Nyandarua, Kiambu, and Meru will see cloudy mornings and intermittent light rains. These are likely to clear by midday, giving way to sunny spells. Afternoon and night showers, though less frequent, are also on the cards for several counties in this region.
Down south, Machakos, Kitui, and Makueni counties are set to experience sunny intervals during the day. Though generally dry, the Met has warned that light rains could still occur in the mornings, with a chance of showers in the afternoons in certain areas.
Mombasa and other coastal counties will be in for a drenching, with showers expected morning, noon, and night. Although the coastal belt has already been hit by heavy rains, the forecast suggests these conditions will worsen, with rain spreading to more parts of the region.
The fluctuating weather presents unique challenges to Kenyans, particularly farmers and businesses that rely on predictable conditions. Residents in affected areas are being advised to stay alert, ensure they have appropriate clothing, and monitor weather updates.
