At least 35 counties are expected to receive rainfall over the next seven days as the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) forecasts a mix of showers, thunderstorms, cool conditions and fluctuating temperatures across the country.
In its weekly weather outlook covering July 7 to July 13, the department said parts of western Kenya, the Rift Valley, Central Kenya, the Coast and sections of northern Kenya are likely to experience intermittent rainfall.
Nairobi among counties expected to receive rainfall
According to the forecast, rainfall is expected in Nairobi, Bungoma, Kakamega, Vihiga, Baringo, Bomet, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Kericho, Nakuru, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Busia, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kisumu, Migori, Narok, Nyamira, Siaya, Embu, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Meru, Murang’a, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Tharaka-Nithi, Garissa, Marsabit, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu and parts of Tana River County.
The weatherman said some areas should expect morning rainfall followed by afternoon showers and thunderstorms that could spread to several locations.
“Occasional rains are expected in the morning, while afternoon showers and thunderstorms are likely over a few places before extending to several areas. Nights will generally be partly cloudy, with isolated showers expected in some locations,” the department said.
Cool weather expected in several regions
KMD also warned that a number of counties will experience cool and cloudy conditions during the forecast period.
These include Embu, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Meru, Murang’a, Nairobi, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Tharaka-Nithi, Machakos, Makueni, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Bomet, Marsabit and Mandera.
Night-time temperatures are expected to fall below 10 degrees Celsius in parts of Nyeri, Murang’a, Nyandarua, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Meru, Nairobi and Tharaka-Nithi.
Northern counties to remain hot
While many regions experience cooler weather, the department said daytime temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius are likely in Kilifi, Lamu, Tana River, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Isiolo, Marsabit, Turkana and Samburu counties.
Lodwar is expected to record the highest temperatures during the forecast period, with daytime highs of 36°C, followed closely by Mandera.
Strong winds expected in several counties
The meteorological department also cautioned residents in parts of the country to prepare for strong southerly and south-easterly winds exceeding 25 knots (12.86 metres per second).
The affected counties include Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Mombasa, Turkana, Garissa, Isiolo, Mandera, Marsabit, Wajir, Tana River and Kitui.
Coast to experience sunny intervals and isolated showers
For the Coastal region, KMD forecast sunny intervals during the day and partly cloudy nights.
However, residents should also expect occasional morning and afternoon showers, particularly during the first half of the forecast period.
Rainfall increased in several regions last week
Reviewing weather conditions recorded between June 29 and July 5, the department said rainfall increased across western Kenya, the Rift Valley, Central Kenya and the Lake Victoria Basin compared to the previous week.
The highest seven-day rainfall total of 36.8 millimetres was recorded at Kaptet Rainfall Station in West Pokot County, while Dagoretti Meteorological Station in Nairobi registered the highest 24-hour rainfall after recording 29.5 millimetres on July 2.
Meanwhile, Lodwar Meteorological Station recorded the country’s highest daily maximum temperature of 36°C, while Nyahururu registered the lowest minimum temperature at 6.2°C during the review period.
