NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has forecast rainfall across eight regions beginning this weekend, December 13, offering potential relief to farmers even as authorities warn of hazardous winds in parts of northern Kenya.
In its latest advisory, the department said heavy rains are expected in Western Kenya, the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, North-Eastern and North-Western Kenya, the South-Eastern lowlands, Central Kenya, and Nairobi.
The rains are anticipated to extend beyond the weekend, with varying intensity across the affected areas.
KMD noted that the precipitation “would bring some relief to many areas,” particularly in Western Kenya, the Rift Valley, and the Lake Victoria Basin, where farmers had raised concerns over prolonged dry conditions and the impact on crops.
Agricultural stakeholders in these regions have been closely monitoring forecasts as planting and crop development cycles face increasing climate variability.
At the same time, the department issued a caution for residents of Marsabit and Turkana counties, where strong southeasterly winds are expected. According to the advisory, wind speeds could exceed 25 knots (12.5 m/s), posing risks to transport, especially for light structures, marine activities on Lake Turkana, and pastoral communities.
“Heads up! Strong southeasterly winds, exceeding 25 knots (12.5 m/s), are expected over Marsabit and Turkana counties. Please take necessary precautions,” the department warned, urging residents to secure property and exercise caution.
The latest outlook follows a separate forecast issued on December 9, in which KMD projected rainfall in at least six regions, including the highlands on both sides of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley itself, and the Coast. Showers were also expected in the North-Eastern and South-Eastern lowlands.
Despite these rain-bearing systems, the department indicated that much of the country would remain largely sunny and dry during the week, with rainfall occurring intermittently rather than continuously.
In the highlands west of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, and parts of the Rift Valley, daytime sunshine is expected to be interrupted by scattered afternoon and nighttime showers.
The eastern highlands are forecast to experience cloudy mornings with light rain in some areas, followed by sunny intervals and occasional showers later in the day and at night. Along the Coast, generally sunny conditions are expected to prevail, although morning, afternoon, and evening showers may occur in select locations.
Temperature advisories were also included in the forecast. Daytime temperatures are expected to exceed 30°C in the Coast, North-Eastern and North-Western Kenya, and parts of the South-Eastern lowlands. Similar high temperatures are likely in sections of the Rift Valley and the Western highlands, raising concerns about heat stress in arid and semi-arid regions.
KMD has consistently urged the public to stay informed through official advisories, noting that localized weather patterns can change rapidly.
As the short rains season continues to show uneven distribution, the department says timely updates will be critical for farmers, transport operators, and county disaster response teams planning for potential flooding, strong winds, or heat-related risks.
