NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that several parts of the country will continue experiencing heavy rainfall this week, accompanied by strong winds and sharp temperature variations.
In its latest weather outlook covering May 26 to June 1, the agency said rainfall is expected to persist across the Highlands, East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the South Rift Valley, the Coast, and parts of Northeastern Kenya.
The department warned that some areas along the Coast and in Garissa County could experience heavy downpours capable of triggering localised flooding and disrupting transport and economic activities.
According to the forecast, strong southerly to southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots — approximately 12.5 metres per second — are also expected in parts of Northwestern, Northeastern, Coastal, and Southeastern lowland regions.
Residents in the affected areas have been advised to remain alert as the changing weather conditions could affect marine operations, road transport, and outdoor activities.
The forecast further indicated that night-time temperatures are likely to drop significantly in some high-altitude regions. Minimum temperatures below 10°C are expected in parts of the Highlands, east of the Rift Valley, the Central Rift Valley, and areas surrounding Mount Kilimanjaro.
At the same time, several lowland regions are expected to remain unusually hot during the day, with temperatures surpassing 30°C in the Coast region, Southeastern lowlands, and parts of Northeastern and Northwestern Kenya.
The latest advisory comes amid growing climate concerns following a regional outlook issued on May 21 by the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre during the 73rd Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum in Addis Ababa.
ICPAC warned that parts of Kenya are likely to experience below-normal rainfall and above-average temperatures between June and September 2026.
The agency identified western and coastal Kenya among the areas most likely to receive below-average rainfall during the critical agricultural season, which supports farming, hydropower generation and water resources across the region.
While some coastal areas could still receive near-normal rainfall, ICPAC cautioned that rising temperatures combined with reduced rainfall may strain water availability, reduce livestock productivity, and worsen food insecurity.
The climate agency also warned that public health systems and hydropower generation could come under pressure if the projected weather patterns persist.
Pastoral communities in arid and semi-arid regions are expected to face heightened vulnerability due to recurring climate-related shocks affecting grazing land and water resources.
According to ICPAC, the projected conditions resemble weather patterns witnessed during strong El Niño years such as 1997 and 2023, when several parts of the Greater Horn of Africa experienced prolonged dry spells and extreme weather events.
