Several counties, including Nairobi, Kisumu, and Nakuru, have been listed among areas expected to experience rainy and cold conditions over the next five days, according to the latest forecast by the Kenya Meteorological Department.

In its report released on Thursday, July 17, the department said the weather pattern will be felt from Friday through Tuesday, mainly in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, parts of the Rift Valley, and north-western Kenya.

Counties around the Lake Victoria Basin and the Rift Valley are expected to experience heavy afternoon showers, with thunderstorms likely to accompany the rainfall.

These include Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Nandi.

The report also lists Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and West Pokot among areas that will face similar weather patterns. These regions will generally receive above-normal rainfall within the forecast period.

In contrast, counties in central Kenya will experience moderate afternoon rains. These include Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka, and Nairobi.

The forecast indicates that the south-eastern lowlands including Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, and Taita Taveta, will remain dry for the next five days.

Coastal counties such as Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, and the coastal areas of Tana River will also continue to experience warm and dry conditions.

Besides rainfall, the department noted that parts of the country will continue to experience cold and cloudy conditions, especially in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley itself, and parts of the south-eastern lowlands.

Counties such as Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka, and Nairobi are expected to experience cold weather, with temperatures forecast to drop to 7°C, rise to 10°C, and then fall again to 9°C during the forecast window.

Kenya Met also warned of strong southerly to south-easterly winds expected to exceed 25 knots (12.86 metres per second), particularly over coastal areas, south-eastern lowlands, as well as parts of north-eastern and north-western Kenya.