Most parts of Kenya are expected to remain dry over the next seven days, although isolated showers, thunderstorms and significant temperature variations will affect different regions.
The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) said the outlook covering September 8 to September 14, 2026 points to generally dry conditions across the country, with rainfall concentrated in selected coastal, western, Rift Valley and central areas.
The forecast also highlights a sharp contrast between daytime heat in northern, eastern and coastal Kenya and chilly nights in parts of the Central Highlands and other elevated areas.
Coastal and western areas could receive showers
Morning showers are expected in parts of the Coast, particularly Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu counties.
Later in the day, showers and thunderstorms are likely to develop over sections of the Lake Victoria Basin and Rift Valley, including Kisumu, Kakamega, Kericho, Bomet and Nakuru.
Parts of the Central Highlands, including Nairobi, Kiambu and Nyeri, are also expected to experience afternoon showers during the forecast period.
However, the rainfall is expected to remain relatively isolated, meaning large parts of the country will continue experiencing predominantly dry weather.
Northern Kenya to experience high temperatures
While some areas may receive rain, temperatures will remain high across much of the coastal, northern and eastern regions.
KMD forecasts average daytime maximum temperatures of more than 30°C in counties including Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Garissa, Wajir, Isiolo, Marsabit and Turkana.
Town-specific forecasts show Mandera recording the highest maximum temperature at about 38°C, followed by Lodwar at 37°C. Garissa and Wajir could reach 36°C, while Kisumu is expected to record a maximum of about 34°C.
Nairobi is expected to remain comparatively cooler, with daytime temperatures reaching around 29°C.
High-altitude counties face chilly nights
The biggest temperature contrast will come at night, particularly in elevated areas.
KMD expects minimum average temperatures of below 10°C in parts of Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nyeri, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nakuru, Narok, Taita/Taveta and Kajiado.
Nyahururu is expected to record the lowest minimum temperature at around 4°C, while Kitale could fall to 7°C and Narok to 8°C.
Nairobi, Eldoret and Laikipia are forecast to record minimum temperatures of about 10°C.
Previous week also remained largely dry
The forecast follows a generally dry period between August 31 and September 6, although some areas recorded significant rainfall.
Mandera recorded the highest daily maximum temperature at 38.4°C on September 6, while Nyahururu registered the lowest daily minimum temperature at 4.4°C on September 1.
Meanwhile, an automatic weather station at Kibabii University in Bungoma recorded the highest seven-day rainfall total at 90.3mm, including 41.8mm in a single day on September 4.
KMD’s latest forecast highlights the need for residents and motorists to prepare for rapidly changing conditions, particularly in areas likely to experience afternoon thunderstorms, while those in high-altitude counties should expect notably cold nights.
