The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has forecast rainfall in 19 counties over the next seven days, even as most parts of the country are expected to remain generally dry.
In its latest weekly weather outlook released on Monday, July 21, the department said residents in parts of western, Rift Valley and Nyanza regions should expect showers, while Nairobi and several Central Kenya counties will experience intermittent cool and cloudy conditions accompanied by light rainfall.
Counties expected to receive rainfall
According to the forecast, rainfall is expected in Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Kakamega, Kericho, Kisii, Nakuru, Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Narok, Bomet, Nyamira, Vihiga, Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Migori counties during the week.
The weather department also projected occasional light rains in Nairobi, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Meru, Murang’a, Nyandarua, Nyeri and Tharaka-Nithi counties.
“Intermittent cool and cloudy conditions with light rainfall are expected over parts of Nairobi and the Central Highlands during the forecast period,” KMD said.
Despite the expected showers, the department noted that dry weather will prevail across most parts of the country.
Hot conditions expected in northern and coastal Kenya
While rainfall is expected in several regions, the weatherman warned that parts of northern and coastal Kenya will continue experiencing high daytime temperatures.
Maximum temperatures of above 30 degrees Celsius are expected in Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Garissa, Wajir, Isiolo, Marsabit, Samburu, Busia, Bungoma, Kakamega, and parts of West Pokot and Turkana counties.
The department advised residents in the affected areas to take necessary precautions against prolonged exposure to extreme heat.
Cold nights to continue in several regions
The forecast also indicates that several counties will continue recording chilly nighttime temperatures.
Minimum temperatures of below 10 degrees Celsius are expected in parts of Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nyeri, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nakuru, Baringo, Narok, Kajiado, Kiambu and Taita Taveta counties.
The department urged residents, particularly those in high-altitude areas, to keep warm during the cold nights.
Previous weather observations
The latest outlook follows a similar forecast issued last week, when KMD predicted rainfall across 16 counties.
According to the department, the highest cumulative rainfall during the previous seven-day reporting period was recorded at the Kaisagat Small Park Research Centre automatic weather station in Trans Nzoia County, where 110 millimetres of rainfall was measured.
Meanwhile, Mandera Meteorological Station recorded the country’s highest daytime temperature of 37.3°C on July 14, while Nyahururu Meteorological Station recorded the lowest minimum temperature of 5.2°C on July 15.
KMD has advised members of the public to keep monitoring official weather updates as conditions may change during the week.
