NAIROBI, Kenya – If you were hoping to ditch the jacket this week, the Kenya Meteorological Department has some news that might send you reaching for an extra layer instead.
From Tuesday, July 15 to Monday, July 21, 2025, expect more rain, more clouds, and, yes, more chills across multiple regions of the country.
Rainfall is set to drench large swathes of Kenya, with the Central Highlands, Lake Victoria Basin, Western Kenya, North-western counties, and the Rift Valley all firmly in the wet zone.
And it’s not just about showers—this weather pattern is part of a broader trend flagged in the department’s July 2025 climate outlook, which projected near- to above-normal rainfall in key parts of the country.
But rain isn’t the only thing blanketing Kenya this week. If you’re in Nairobi, the southeastern lowlands, or the highlands both east and west of the Rift Valley, brace for more cold and cloudy days.
Fog and drizzle are also in the forecast—particularly during early mornings and late evenings, when visibility tends to take a dip and temperatures lean toward frigid.
That leads to the health side of things. The Met Department is warning that the chilly conditions could worsen respiratory illnesses, especially among vulnerable groups. Their advice? Keep warm, stay dry, and don’t forget to ventilate your home. That last part is key—even as you fight the cold, your lungs still need fresh air.
As we slide into the colder months, the mercury is expected to keep dropping. Nighttime temperatures below 10°C are likely in the Central Highlands, the Rift Valley, and areas near Mt. Kilimanjaro. Meanwhile, parts of North-eastern and North-western Kenya will bask in sunshine with daytime highs shooting past 30°C. So yes—while some regions are bundling up, others will still be reaching for sunscreen.
Also on the radar (literally): strong winds. Gusts topping 25 knots (12.86 m/s) are forecast over the Coast, southeastern lowlands, Kenya’s territorial waters, and parts of the northwest. If you’re planning a beach trip, maybe double-check your umbrella situation.
Dry conditions will continue to grip the Northeastern and Southeastern lowlands—including counties like Mandera, Garissa, Kitui, and Makueni.
While mostly sunny skies might sound like a break from the gloom, these areas are facing growing stress from prolonged water shortages. The Met Department is urging residents to conserve every drop.
And don’t be fooled by the occasional cloud cover over hilly or mountainous terrain in these drier zones. That’s not rain—it’s just nature teasing.
All told, it’s a classic Kenyan July: unpredictable, patchy, and full of meteorological mood swings.
So, whether you’re bracing for another downpour in Kisumu or catching a scorcher in Turkana, the message is clear—dress smart, check your weather app, and be ready for just about anything.
