- Kenya Met has warned of possible heavy rainfall in select regions this week, even as most parts of the country remain hot and dry
- Rainfall is expected in some areas, with thunderstorms in parts of the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin and the Coast
- At the same time, extreme heat above 35°C is forecast in arid counties, while highland areas brace for chilly nights
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a weekly weather outlook for the period between January 20 and January 26.
Source: Getty Images
The department cautioned that parts of the country are likely to experience episodes of heavy rainfall, even as most regions remain largely sunny and dry.
In the forecast released on Tuesday, January 20, Kenya Met noted that rainfall during the week will not be widespread but confined to select regions.
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Which areas will receive rainfall between January 20 and 26?
Areas expected to receive intermittent showers include the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Coastal region, and parts of the South-eastern lowlands.
The department said rainfall amounts will vary significantly, with some locations recording light to moderate showers while others experience intense downpours occurring over short durations.
Rainfall maps shared by the department indicated expected accumulations ranging from 1 millimetre to 50 millimetres across the affected areas.
However, isolated zones within the Lake Victoria Basin, sections of the central Rift Valley, the central highlands, and parts of the Coast could receive higher totals, particularly where thunderstorms form.
The advisory comes against the backdrop of persistently hot and dry conditions affecting large swathes of the country, notably northern, north-eastern, and coastal regions.
Kenya Met warns of extreme daytime temperatures
Kenya Met also warned that daytime temperatures above 30°C are likely to continue across the Coast, north-eastern and north-western Kenya, as well as parts of the South-eastern lowlands.
In the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, areas such as Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a and Nyandarua are expected to receive rainfall during the week.
Meanwhile, Nandi, Kericho and Uasin Gishu counties in the Highlands West of the Rift Valley may experience occasional showers.
Within the Rift Valley, rainfall is anticipated in counties including Nakuru, Narok and Baringo, while the Lake Victoria Basin, covering Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya and Migori, is forecast to experience periodic showers.
Temperature charts released by the department showed intense heat persisting across Turkana, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Tana River counties, where maximum temperatures could exceed 35°C in some locations.
Similar hot conditions are expected along the Coast, including Lamu, Kilifi, Kwale and parts of Mombasa county.
In the Coastal region and South-eastern lowlands, including parts of Taita Taveta, Kitui and Makueni, the outlook points to occasional rainfall accompanied by warm to hot daytime temperatures.
Coastal counties are also expected to remain warm and humid throughout the week.
In contrast to the daytime heat in low-lying regions, residents in high-altitude areas are expected to experience notably cooler nights.
Kenya Met forecasted night-time temperatures dropping below 10°C in parts of the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the central Rift Valley, and areas near Mount Kilimanjaro.
Some high-altitude locations may record minimum temperatures of between 5°C and 10°C, particularly during clear nights.
In Central Kenya, including Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nyandarua and parts of Laikipia, residents are likely to experience warm days and cooler nights, with afternoon temperatures generally ranging from 20°C to 25°C.
Nairobi and neighbouring counties are forecast to have mild daytime conditions, occasional rainfall, and cool nights.
Meanwhile, in western Kenya and the Lake Victoria Basin, cloud formation is expected to trigger afternoon and evening showers on several days, with moderate humidity levels influenced by the lake and prevailing winds.
Kenya Met cautioned that weather patterns may shift during the week and urged the public to stay informed by following regular updates and advisories issued through official channels.
Source: Getty Images
What safety measures should you take during heavy rainfall?
TUKO.co.ke previously reported that meteorologists had issued public guidance aimed at protecting Kenyans in regions forecast to receive heavy rainfall.
Authorities urged residents not to drive through flowing water, warning that doing so could endanger lives.
They also advised against standing under trees, near grilled windows, or in moving water, to reduce the risk of lightning strikes during storms.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
