NAIROBI, Kenya – Most parts of Kenya are expected to experience heavy and persistent rainfall this week, the Kenya Meteorological Department has said, cautioning that the weather conditions could trigger flooding and disrupt transport in several regions.
In a five-day forecast covering Tuesday, October 28, to Saturday, November 1, the weatherman indicates that areas in western Kenya, the Rift Valley and parts of central Kenya will be hardest hit, with continuous rain accompanied by thunderstorms both during the day and at night.
Counties expected to receive the heaviest downpours include Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Kericho, Narok, Bomet, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Vihiga and West Pokot.
Temperatures in these areas will range between 8°C at night and 31°C during the day.
In central Kenya, including Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka and Nairobi, steady rainfall is also expected throughout the week.
Some high-altitude areas could record temperatures as low as 5°C.
The Met Department has further warned of strong southerly to southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots across coastal, northeastern and northwestern regions.
The winds, it cautioned, may worsen flooding in low-lying localities and disrupt road transport.
Counties in eastern Kenya such as Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Kajiado and Taita Taveta are expected to experience relatively warmer but still rainy conditions, with maximum temperatures of up to 32°C and lows of about 13°C.
The inland parts of Tana River will record similar patterns.
Along the coast, light to moderate showers will continue in Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu and parts of Tana River, with temperatures ranging between 22°C and 33°C.
The northern counties of Marsabit, Wajir, Garissa, Mandera and Isiolo will also receive rainfall, despite daytime temperatures rising to 37°C before dropping to around 16°C at night.
Turkana and Samburu are forecast to experience periodic showers, with highs of 37°C and lows of 8°C.
The Department urged Kenyans, particularly those in flood-prone or low-lying areas, to remain vigilant and follow daily weather updates to minimise risks related to the adverse conditions.
