Kenya is set to experience mixed weather conditions over the next 24 hours, with rainfall expected in parts of the Rift Valley and Northeastern regions even as most areas remain largely dry and sunny, the Kenya Meteorological Department has announced.
In its latest forecast, the department indicated that sunny intervals will dominate across much of the country, signalling the continuation of dry conditions in several regions. However, isolated rainfall is still expected in select areas, particularly in the highlands and parts of northern Kenya.
Acting Director Edward Muriuki said showers are likely in both the highlands west and east of the Rift Valley, as well as sections of the Northeastern region.
“Rainfall is expected over the Highlands West and East of the Great Rift Valley and in parts of the Northeastern region,” Muriuki stated.
Showers expected in Rift Valley and Lake Basin
According to the forecast, counties within the Rift Valley and the Lake Victoria Basin — including Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Kisumu and Kakamega — are likely to experience a mix of showers and thunderstorms.
These areas are expected to receive rainfall during the night, followed by sunny breaks in the morning before isolated afternoon showers return.
A similar weather pattern is expected in the highlands east of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi and surrounding counties. Residents in these areas may experience light morning rains after overnight showers, with thunderstorms likely to develop later in the day.
Northeastern region to see intermittent rains
In the Northeastern region — covering Garissa, Wajir and Mandera — residents should prepare for intermittent rainfall throughout the day.
“Showers and thunderstorms over a few places are expected tonight, with sunny intervals and rains over a few places in the morning,” Muriuki explained.
He added that rainfall activity is expected to persist into the afternoon, although it will remain scattered across the region.
Strong winds warning in northern Kenya
The weather department has also issued a warning over strong winds expected in parts of northern Kenya, particularly in Turkana and Marsabit counties.
“Strong southeasterly winds of above 25 knots are expected over parts of Turkana and Marsabit counties,” Muriuki cautioned, highlighting potential risks for residents in exposed areas.
Dry conditions dominate other regions
Elsewhere, much of the country is expected to remain dry. The North Western region, including parts of Turkana and Samburu, will largely experience sunny intervals, although isolated showers may occur near the Kenya-Uganda border.
The South Eastern lowlands — including Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado and Taita Taveta — will remain mostly sunny, with only a slight chance of light rains in the morning and isolated showers later in the day.
At the Coast, conditions are expected to stay predominantly dry and partly cloudy, with only a few areas in Tana River likely to receive showers at night and light rains in the morning.
Transition to drier conditions
Overall, the forecast points to a country gradually transitioning into drier weather conditions, punctuated by isolated rainfall events in specific regions.
The Meteorological Department has advised Kenyans to stay updated with daily weather forecasts, particularly in areas prone to thunderstorms and strong winds, to minimise potential risks and disruptions.
