Cold nights, hot days ahead as Kenya braces for long rains peak
Regions in the Lake Victoria Basin and parts of the Rift Valley have also been forecasted to receive rainfall.
Several parts of Kenya are expected to receive rainfall over the weekend, with the Kenya Meteorological Department pointing to increased weather activity beginning Friday, May 2, through Tuesday, May 6.
The forecast shows a mix of morning sunshine and afternoon to night showers in different regions, with Nairobi and Mombasa among areas that will experience significant rain.
David Gikungu, the Director General of Kenya Met, stated that counties in the Lake Victoria Basin, the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, the South Eastern Lowlands, Western Kenya, and the Coast will receive moderate rains during the period.
He said morning showers were expected across Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, and Nairobi.
Regions in the Lake Victoria Basin and parts of the Rift Valley have also been forecasted to receive rainfall, including counties such as Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Siaya, Busia, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, and Uasin Gishu.
Other parts of the country expected to experience a similar weather pattern include West Pokot, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, and Narok.
Gikungu explained that in these areas, the day would start with sunny intervals, followed by showers and thunderstorms later in the day and into the night.
According to the weather update, coastal counties such as Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, and coastal areas of Tana River are set to receive heavy downpours throughout the weekend.
Gikungu said these areas would be among those most affected during this period of heightened rainfall.
Gikungu further noted that May was expected to be the peak of the long rains season, warning Kenyans to remain alert and take precautions against waterborne diseases, which often rise during heavy rains.
In addition to the rain, residents in the Highlands East of the Rift Valley have been advised to prepare for cold nights.
Gikungu warned that areas such as Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, and Nairobi would experience night-time temperatures as low as 10°C.
Meanwhile, counties in the Coast, North-eastern, and North-western parts of Kenya, as well as some isolated locations in the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, are expected to experience very high daytime temperatures.
According to Gikungu, these temperatures will reach at least 30°C over the next five days.
The department urged Kenyans to stay informed and adjust to the changing weather conditions to ensure their safety and well-being during this critical phase of the rainy season.
