Weatherman warns of intense rains and rising temperatures
"Morning rains as well as afternoon and night showers and thunderstorms are likely to occur in these places, occasionally spreading to several places during the first half of the forecast period," Gikungu stated.
Widespread rainfall is expected across many parts of Kenya this week, with the Meteorological Department urging residents to stay alert from April 22 to April 28.
This is according to the latest seven-day weather advisory issued by the Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department, David Gikungu.
The forecast points to heavy rainfall in key regions, including the Central Highlands, Lake Victoria Basin, Western Kenya, parts of Northeastern Kenya, and the Central and South Rift Valley.
Counties set to experience moderate rains during the early part of the week, followed by heavier rains later—include Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, and Nairobi.
In Western Kenya and the Rift Valley, heavy rainfall is also expected in the counties of Nandi, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Siaya, Busia, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, and Uasin Gishu.
Gikungu also listed Elgeyo-Marakwet, West Pokot, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, and Narok among those expected to receive rain.
Southeastern lowland counties like Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, and Taita Taveta, as well as inland parts of Tana River, are also likely to experience rain and thunderstorms during the forecast period.
"Morning rains as well as afternoon and night showers and thunderstorms are likely to occur in these places, occasionally spreading to several places during the first half of the forecast period," Gikungu stated.
Away from the rainfall zones, high temperatures of more than 30°C are expected in the Coastal region, Northeastern and Northwestern counties, as well as parts of the Highlands West of the Rift Valley.
These include Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, Tana River, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo.
Nighttime weather will also take a turn, with some counties recording temperatures below 10°C.
These include parts of the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, Central Rift Valley, and areas surrounding Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Counties affected will include Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, and Nairobi, along with Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Siaya, Busia, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, and Elgeyo Marakwet.
Residents in the affected areas have been urged to remain cautious and follow updates from the Kenya Meteorological Department throughout the forecast period.