The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that rainfall will pound most parts of the country on Monday, February 16, 2026, with showers and thunderstorms forecast in several regions.
In a daily weather update issued on Sunday night, February 15, the weatherman indicated that morning rains would be experienced in parts of western Kenya before spreading to other regions later in the day.
Morning outlook
According to the department, morning showers are expected in Kisumu, Kakamega, Eldoret and neighbouring counties in the western region.
“Morning rains in parts of Kisumu, Kakamega, Eldoret and the neighbouring western counties. Cloudy conditions expected breaking into sunny intervals in Nairobi and the Central Highlands. Mostly sunny across North Eastern, North Western and the Coast,” the Kenya Met stated.
While western Kenya braces for early showers, residents in Nairobi and the Central Highlands will experience cloudy conditions that are likely to give way to sunny intervals as the day progresses.
North Eastern, North Western and Coastal regions are expected to remain largely sunny during the morning hours.
Afternoon showers and thunderstorms
The weatherman further projected that several areas within the Lake Victoria Basin and the Rift Valley will receive afternoon showers accompanied by thunderstorms.
Counties likely to be affected include Kisii, Kericho, Kisumu, Kakamega, Narok, Nakuru, Kitale and Eldoret.
“Showers and thunderstorms expected in several areas of the Lake Victoria Basin and Rift Valley, likely in Kisii, Kericho, Kisumu, Kakamega, Narok, Nakuru, Kitale, and Eldoret. Afternoon showers in parts of Nyeri, Meru, Embu, Nairobi, Machakos, and Makindu. Mainly sunny conditions over Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera and the Coastal region,” the notice read.
Motorists have been advised to exercise caution due to possible reduced visibility and slippery roads during heavy downpours and foggy conditions.
Long rains expected in March
The department had earlier cautioned Kenyans to prepare for the onset of the long rains season beginning in the second week of March.
According to the forecast, several parts of the country are likely to receive near-average to below-average rainfall, with variations in onset dates, distribution and intensity.
In Central Kenya, including Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Nairobi, the rains are expected to start in the second or third week of March.
For the South Eastern lowlands — Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado and Taita Taveta — the onset is projected between the third and fourth weeks of March.
The Kenya Meteorological Department continues to urge the public to stay updated with official weather advisories as conditions evolve.
