NAIROBI, Kenya – Nairobi is among counties expected to receive rainfall between October 6 and 12, with the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority forecasting morning rains, afternoon showers and night showers in parts of the city.
The forecast comes as Kenya enters the October-December (OND) rainfall season, with the weatherman warning of wetter-than-normal conditions in several parts of the country.
In Nairobi, residents in some areas can expect morning rains, followed by afternoon showers and thunderstorms, while night showers are also likely in parts of the city.
Several Counties To Receive Rainfall
Rainfall is expected across large parts of the country during the week.
Morning showers are forecast in parts of Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu.
Morning rains are also expected in parts of Embu, Garissa, Kajiado, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Kitui, Laikipia, Machakos, Mandera, Marsabit, Meru, Murang’a, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Taita Taveta, Tharaka-Nithi, Turkana and Wajir.
Parts of Baringo, Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kericho, Kisii, Kisumu, Migori, Nakuru, Nandi, Narok, Nyamira, Siaya, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Vihiga and West Pokot are expected to experience sunny intervals in the morning before afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
Afternoon showers are also forecast in parts of Embu, Garissa, Kajiado, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kirinyaga, Kitui, Kwale, Laikipia, Lamu, Machakos, Makueni, Mandera, Marsabit, Meru, Mombasa, Murang’a, Nairobi, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Tharaka-Nithi and Wajir.
At night, showers are expected in parts of Bungoma, Busia, Embu, Homa Bay, Kajiado, Kakamega, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kirinyaga, Kisumu, Kitui, Kwale, Laikipia, Lamu, Machakos, Mandera, Marsabit, Meru, Migori, Mombasa, Murang’a, Nairobi, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Siaya, Tana River, Tharaka-Nithi, Vihiga and Wajir.
Northern Kenya To Experience High Temperatures
While several parts of the country are expected to receive rainfall, northern Kenya will continue experiencing high daytime temperatures.
Maximum average temperatures above 35°C are forecast in parts of Marsabit, Samburu and Turkana counties.
Mandera is expected to record a maximum temperature of 39°C, followed by Lodwar at 38°C and Wajir at 37°C.
Kisumu could reach 36°C, while Garissa is expected to record up to 34°C.
Several Counties Face Cold Nights
Some parts of the country are also expected to experience notably cold nights.
Minimum average temperatures below 10°C are forecast in parts of Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Nyeri, Trans Nzoia, Taita Taveta and Kajiado.
Among selected towns, Nyahururu is expected to record the lowest minimum temperature at 4°C, while Kericho could fall to 7°C and Eldoret to 8°C.
Narok is forecast to record a minimum temperature of 9°C.
Rainfall Declined In Previous Week
The latest outlook follows a review of weather conditions between September 28 and October 4, when rainfall was recorded in a few counties, including Kisii, Kakamega, Marsabit, Busia and Bungoma.
Kisii Meteorological Station recorded the highest seven-day rainfall total at 55.3mm.
The automatic weather station at St John’s Nyamagwa Boys High School recorded the highest 24-hour rainfall total at 34.2mm on September 29.
The Authority said rainfall amounts declined across the country compared with the September 21-27 period.
Mandera Meteorological Station recorded the highest daily maximum temperature at 39.0°C on October 2, while Nyahururu recorded the lowest daily minimum temperature at 1.8°C on September 30.
Farmers Urged To Follow County Forecasts
Acting Meteorological Service head Edward Muriuki urged farmers to rely on detailed forecasts issued by county meteorological officials, noting that the onset and intensity of the rains will vary across regions.
“County-specific weekly and monthly forecasts are available from the offices of respective county directors of Meteorological Services,” Muriuki said.
The Met Department said above-average rainfall could improve soil moisture, support land preparation and planting, regenerate pasture and improve water availability for livestock.
However, it warned that excessive rainfall could also result in waterlogging, crop diseases, disruption of farm operations and difficulties transporting agricultural produce.
