NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenyans should brace for a week of contrasting weather conditions ranging from rainfall and cloudy skies to scorching daytime heat and chilly nights, the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has announced.
In its latest forecast covering September 2–8, 2025, KMD said rainfall will persist in the Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, Western and Central Highlands, and parts of the Coast, warning that the wet conditions could disrupt transport and agricultural activities.
At the same time, cold and cloudy weather will intermittently affect the Central Highlands, Western Kenya, South-Eastern Lowlands, and some parts of the Rift Valley.
Heat and Cold Extremes
In contrast, North-Western and North-Eastern Kenya will experience daytime highs above 30°C, raising concerns of heat stress and water shortages in arid and semi-arid counties.
Nighttime temperatures, however, are expected to plunge below 10°C in the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, the Central Rift Valley, and areas surrounding Mt. Kilimanjaro.
The weatherman also cautioned of strong winds exceeding 25 knots (12.86 m/s) along the Coast, territorial waters, the South-Eastern Lowlands, and the northern counties.
Below-Average Rains Expected in OND Season
The advisory comes just days after the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) projected that Kenya will face below-average rainfall during the October–December (OND) short rains season, due to a weak La Niña.
According to ICPAC, most parts of eastern and northern Kenya will likely be drier and hotter than normal, while western regions could see relatively favourable rains.
The OND season is critical, contributing up to 70 per cent of annual rainfall in some regions, making the below-normal forecast a major concern for food production.
The technical statement released at the 71st Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum in Nairobi indicated a 55 per cent probability of drier-than-average conditions in central and eastern Kenya.
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has also warned that the developing La Niña pattern is likely to depress rainfall across the Horn of Africa.
KMD said it will continue to issue updates on any new weather developments.
