NAIROBI, Kenya — Several parts of Kenya are expected to experience rainfall on Monday, with the Kenya Meteorological Department forecasting wet conditions across sections of the Rift Valley, western Kenya, central highlands and the Coast.
According to the latest weather outlook, counties likely to receive rainfall include Uasin Gishu, Bungoma, Nakuru, Kericho, Kakamega, Trans Nzoia, Vihiga, Bomet, Nandi, Meru, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Mombasa, Kwale, Lamu, Nyamira, Embu, Murang’a, Nyeri and Nyandarua.
In Nairobi, residents in Westlands, Dagoretti South, Dagoretti North, Kibra and Lang’ata should expect light rainfall in some areas, while the rest of the city is forecast to experience cloudy skies with sunny breaks and isolated showers.
The department said daytime temperatures in the capital are expected to peak at 22 degrees Celsius, maintaining cool conditions throughout much of the day.
Elsewhere, intermittent cool and cloudy weather is forecast across parts of Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Tharaka Nithi, Kitui, Machakos, Kajiado and Makueni, in addition to several central Kenya counties.
The weather agency has also cautioned residents in parts of northern and coastal Kenya over strong southerly to southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots (12.5 metres per second).
The affected counties include Marsabit, Isiolo, Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Tana River, Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu and Kitui, where the strong winds could affect transport, marine activities and outdoor operations.
Counties urged to prepare for El Niño rains
Separately, weather experts have urged counties considered vulnerable to flooding to activate preparedness measures ahead of the expected October-November-December (OND) short rains, which are projected to be influenced by El Niño conditions.
The advisory particularly targets Homa Bay, Kisumu and Nakuru, where water levels in lakes including Victoria, Turkana, Baringo, Bogoria, Elementaita, Naivasha and Nakuru have already shown signs of rising.
Speaking during a webinar on the anticipated impacts of the rainy season, Kenya Meteorological Department Disaster Risk Management and Anticipatory Action Expert Misiani Zachary warned that the combination of a strong El Niño and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole could significantly increase rainfall across the country.
He said the weather patterns could trigger an early onset of the short rains, bringing torrential downpours capable of causing flash floods, rising lake levels and backflow that may displace communities living near affected water bodies.
Authorities have urged county governments and residents in flood-prone areas to strengthen preparedness efforts to minimize the potential loss of lives and property should the heavy rains materialize.