Farmers in Nyeri County have been advised to hold off on planting crops amid ongoing short-lived showers, with meteorologists warning that the current weather is not conducive for farming.
Nyeri County Director of Meteorological Services, John Muiruri, explained that the rains experienced across the county since Saturday are fleeting and likely to last for only a few days. “What we have been experiencing in Nyeri and other parts of the country are fleeting showers that are expected to last for at least four days. This is not the right time to plant crops,” Muiruri said. He further cautioned that planting now could result in the loss of entire crops if the rains fail to continue. Farmers have therefore been urged to consider only fast-maturing crops or those resilient enough to survive dry spells once the showers cease.
The county has also been experiencing unusually cold temperatures, with readings dropping to as low as 10 degrees Celsius. Areas such as Nyeri, Nyahururu, Kangema, Embu, and Thika have reported temperatures ranging between nine and 12 degrees Celsius, according to the Kenya Meteorological Department’s (KMD) forecast for the period of August 12 to 18, 2025.
On August 15, KMD issued a national advisory warning of heavy rains expected in several regions, including the Highlands East of the Rift Valley. Counties on the alert list include Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nyandarua, and Kiambu. The forecast indicated that rainfall in parts of the Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, and Highlands West of the Rift Valley would intensify to more than 20 mm in 24 hours and spread eastwards by August 17, 2025, continuing until August 19, 2025, before easing from August 20.
Residents in the affected areas have been urged to remain vigilant against potential flash floods and poor visibility. Those living near rivers and seasonal waterways were warned of sudden water surges even when it is not raining locally. Authorities also advised the public to avoid driving through or walking in moving water, not to shelter under trees, and to stay away from grilled windows to minimize the risk of lightning strikes.
With these warnings in place, farmers are being urged to exercise caution, prioritizing safety and careful planning over rushing to plant during unpredictable weather conditions.
