The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a five-day weather advisory warning of heavy rains and low temperatures in several parts of the country starting this weekend. The forecast, released on Friday, August 15, indicates that intense rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms will be experienced in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and North-western Kenya during the second half of the forecast period.
In the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, counties expected to be affected include Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Nairobi. On the western side, heavy rains are predicted in Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, and Uasin Gishu. Other counties likely to be impacted include Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and West Pokot.
While most of these regions brace for intense rainfall, the South Eastern Lowlands comprising Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, and Taita Taveta—as well as inland Tana River County, are forecast to receive light showers. Coastal counties including Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale, along with North Eastern counties such as Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo, are also expected to record light rains.
In addition to rainfall, the Met Department has cautioned of significantly cold conditions in the coming days, especially in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the South Eastern Lowlands, and parts of the Rift Valley. Temperatures could drop to lows of 7°C in the first two days, before slightly rising to 9°C thereafter.
Residents in affected areas are urged to prepare for possible flooding, slippery roads, and health risks associated with cold weather, including respiratory illnesses. The advisory calls for caution among motorists, farmers, and communities in flood-prone regions.
