NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a weather advisory warning of heavy rainfall in various regions across the country from Friday, March 21, to Tuesday, March 25.
The rains, expected to be accompanied by thunderstorms in some areas, will affect the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the South-Eastern lowlands, and parts of North-Eastern Kenya.
In a statement, the department urged residents in the affected areas to prepare for intense downpours and remain vigilant, especially in flood-prone regions.
Regions Expected to Receive Heavy Rains
Counties in the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka, and Nairobi, are set to experience heavy afternoon showers with thunderstorms expected in some cases.
Similar weather patterns are forecast for the Lake Victoria Basin and Rift Valley counties, such as Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, and Elgeyo-Marakwet.
Other areas likely to experience significant rainfall include Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and West Pokot.
Moderate rains are anticipated in the South-Eastern lowlands, including Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, and Taita Taveta, as well as inland parts of the Tana River.
Meanwhile, light showers are expected in coastal counties such as Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale, along with the eastern counties of Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo.
Temperature Variations Across the Country
The Met department has also forecast sharp contrasts in temperature across the country during this period.
Residents in Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka, and Nairobi have been cautioned to brace for cold nights, with temperatures dipping to as low as 8°C over the first two days of the forecast period before slightly rising to 9°C.
In contrast, areas such as Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, and Elgeyo-Marakwet will experience warm daytime temperatures.
Similarly, extreme heat is anticipated in the arid and semi-arid regions of Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo.
Precautionary Measures
The Kenya Meteorological Department has urged the public to exercise caution, particularly in areas prone to flooding, landslides, and lightning strikes.
Motorists have been advised to drive carefully on wet roads, while residents in cold regions are encouraged to dress warmly during the chilly nights.
Additionally, those living in flood-prone regions have been urged to consider moving to safer ground to avoid potential risks.
The department continues to monitor the weather and will provide updates as the situation evolves.
