NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of continued rainfall and showers across large parts of the country over the weekend, urging residents to remain alert as rainfall intensity is expected to increase in some regions.
In its latest five-day forecast covering Friday, December 26, to Monday, December 29, the department said major towns, including Nairobi, Kisumu, Kiambu, Nakuru, and Meru, will experience intermittent rain and showers, with cloudy conditions persisting in the mornings and heavier rainfall expected later in the day.
“Occasional rainfall is expected over the southern half of the country. Rainfall intensity is likely to increase as the forecast period progresses,” the department said in a statement.
The weatherman also issued a wind advisory for northern Kenya, warning that strong southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots (12.5 metres per second) are expected over Marsabit County within the next five days, conditions that could affect transport and outdoor activities.
Counties in the central highlands — including Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi — are forecast to experience cloudy mornings with light rainfall, alternating with sunny intervals. Afternoon and night showers are expected to be more widespread. Maximum temperatures in these areas are projected to reach 29°C, while minimum temperatures could drop to as low as 05°C.
Similar weather conditions are expected in parts of eastern and south-eastern Kenya. Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, and Taita Taveta counties, alongside inland areas of Tana River County, will likely record cloudy mornings, followed by afternoon and night showers. Temperatures in these areas are forecast to peak at 32°C, with minimums of about 13°C.
Along the Coast, residents of Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale counties, as well as coastal parts of Tana River County, should brace for showers for most of the week. The department noted that rainfall may ease slightly on Friday and Saturday mornings and afternoons before resuming later.
Maximum temperatures in the coastal strip are expected to rise to 34°C, with minimum temperatures of around 23°C.
Western Kenya and the Rift Valley are also set for persistent rainfall. Counties including Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and West Pokot are forecast to experience rain and showers both during the day and at night.
Maximum temperatures in these regions are expected to reach 32°C, with night-time lows of about 07°C.
In contrast, much of northern and north-eastern Kenya is expected to remain largely dry. Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo counties will experience day-long sunny intervals, although strong winds are forecast over Marsabit. Maximum temperatures in these areas could climb to 37°C, with minimums of around 16°C.
Turkana and Samburu counties are expected to record sunny conditions during the day, with cloudy or partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures in these regions are similarly forecast to peak at 37°C, with minimums of 16°C.
The Meteorological Department has advised members of the public, particularly those in flood-prone areas and regions experiencing strong winds, to take precautionary measures.
Authorities have previously cautioned that prolonged rainfall can lead to flooding, poor visibility on roads, and disruption of livelihoods, especially in urban centres and low-lying areas.
The department continues to monitor weather patterns and has urged Kenyans to follow official advisories as conditions evolve over the coming days.
