NAIROBI, Kenya — Residents in Nairobi, Kiambu, Embu, Nyandarua, Meru, and other major towns have been warned to brace for rainfall and unusually cold nights over the next five days, according to the latest update from the Kenya Meteorological Department.
In its weekly forecast issued on Saturday, the Kenya Met said minimum temperatures in Nairobi and surrounding highland areas are expected to drop to about 5°C in the coming days.
Scattered afternoon showers are also likely, particularly after January 24, alongside partly cloudy conditions.
Mornings in the capital will generally feature sunny intervals, but cloud cover is expected to build during the day, increasing the likelihood of light showers in some parts of the city.
Night-time conditions are forecast to remain partly cloudy, contributing to chilly evenings and unusually cold nights for January.
Neighbouring Kiambu County is expected to experience similar weather, with cool mornings, intermittent afternoon rainfall and cold night temperatures.
Other central highland counties, including Nyandarua, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi, are also forecast to record low night temperatures, coupled with occasional afternoon showers.
The weatherman said the isolated rainfall in the highlands is linked to weather systems moving over areas east of the Rift Valley, although most showers are expected to remain localised rather than widespread.
In contrast, farmers in Western Kenya, the Lake Victoria Basin, and parts of the Rift Valley are expected to benefit from a gradual increase in rainfall from Monday, with showers likely to extend into the evening by midweek.
Northern and north-eastern counties, including Turkana, Mandera, Wajir, Marsabit, and Garissa, will experience hot and dry conditions, with daytime temperatures rising to about 38°C.
Coastal counties such as Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale and Lamu are expected to remain sunny and warm, with temperatures reaching around 34°C and minimal rainfall.
The forecast also warns of strong northeasterly to southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots over north-western, north-eastern and coastal regions, which could disrupt marine activities and affect light structures.
Residents, particularly in highland areas, have been advised to monitor daily weather updates, as conditions may change rapidly and isolated showers could occur even during generally sunny periods.
