Kenyans should brace themselves for varying weather conditions this week, ranging from rainfall and chilly nights to soaring daytime temperatures and strong winds, according to the latest forecast by the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD).
In its weekly outlook, KMD noted that showers will continue across the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, Western, and parts of North-western Kenya. However, the department emphasized that both the intensity and spatial coverage of rainfall are expected to decline compared to previous weeks.
Intermittent cloudiness and cool conditions will dominate sections of the Central Highlands, the South-eastern Lowlands, Western Kenya, and the Rift Valley. Residents in these areas should prepare for chilly mornings and nights, with temperatures in some regions particularly the Central Highlands, Central Rift Valley, and areas around Mt. Kilimanjaro dropping below 10°C.
Conversely, much of North-eastern and North-western Kenya is forecast to experience hot afternoons, with daytime temperatures exceeding 30°C. The Met Department cautioned that the high temperatures could exacerbate heat stress, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and outdoor workers.
Strong southerly to south-easterly winds are also expected to sweep through several regions, including the Coast, Kenya’s territorial waters, the South-eastern Lowlands, North-eastern, and North-western parts of the country. Wind speeds are projected to exceed 25 knots (12.86 m/s), posing potential risks of disruption, especially in coastal and semi-arid areas.
The department urged residents to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures against possible hazards linked to these conditions. Farmers and herders were specifically advised to consider the weather outlook when planning agricultural and livestock activities, as sudden weather changes could impact production and grazing.
“The public should stay alert and make informed decisions based on the prevailing weather conditions,” KMD noted.
As Kenya transitions through the final week of August, the forecast reflects a mix of conditions associated with seasonal changes. The Met Department assured Kenyans that it will continue to monitor weather patterns and provide timely updates.