The Kenya Meteorological Department has urged Kenyans living in various parts of the country to brace for moderate to heavy rains over the next five days, including on Christmas Day.
Kenya Met, in its five-day weather advisory covering December 23 to December 27, forecasted rains in Central Kenya, Western, the Lake Victoria region, the Rift Valley and parts of the coastal region.
According to the weather department, heavy rains were expected in parts of the Lake Basin, Rift Valley and Western Kenya on Tuesday, December 23.
According to Kenya Met, the rains in these regions would be accompanied by thunderstorms. However, the downpour was projected to decrease in intensity from Wednesday, December 24, to Saturday, December 27.
Counties in these regions include Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia and West Pokot.
A similar weather pattern was predicted in Central Kenya, where heavy rains were projected in some parts. According to the weather department, the rains would begin in the afternoon and extend into the night.
The Central Kenya region encompasses Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Nairobi counties.
In the coastal counties of Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu and Kwale, as well as the coastal parts of Tana River County, rains were expected in very low amounts.
However, other parts of the country were expected to remain sunny and dry, particularly in the South Eastern Lowlands and the North Eastern region counties.
Temperature Advisory
While occasional rains were predicted in some parts of the country, the meteorological department also warned of very cold nights, specifically in Central Kenya, where temperatures were predicted to drop up to 5°C.
Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Nairobi counties were listed among the areas set to experience very cold nights.
At the same time, Kenya Met warned of high daytime temperatures in some parts of the Lake Victoria basin and the Western and Rift Valley regions, with temperatures in these areas expected to soar up to 32°C.
