Wet and stormy week ahead for Western Kenya as North remains sunny
Counties such as Kisumu, Kakamega, Nakuru, and Kericho will experience day and night showers with possible thunderstorms, and temperatures may drop to as low as 9°C.
Residents of the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and several parts of North-Western Kenya should prepare for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms throughout the week, according to a fresh advisory from the Kenya Meteorological Department.
In its forecast released on Monday, June 16, the weatherman indicated that the rains will persist between Tuesday, June 17, and Saturday, June 21, affecting a wide area from western counties to the central Rift and some northern parts of the country.
The affected counties include Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and West Pokot.
According to the forecast, these counties will experience regular rainfall and showers during the day, with thunderstorms expected to accompany the rains in several areas. Showers are also expected at night, especially in the earlier part of the week.
Temperatures in the region will range from a low of 9°C to highs of 30°C during the forecast period. The cold and wet conditions could disrupt normal activities, with the Met Department urging residents to dress warmly, stay alert, and plan their movements accordingly.
In North-Western Kenya, Turkana and Samburu counties are also expected to receive showers in a few places during both the day and night throughout the week.
Despite the rainfall, these areas will remain hot, with daytime temperatures rising to 36°C, while nights may drop to as low as 8°C. The weatherman cautioned that the mix of heat and intermittent rain could affect travel, agriculture, and general outdoor activities.
Meanwhile, a completely different weather pattern is expected in Northern Kenya. Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo counties will experience daylong sunny intervals and partly cloudy skies throughout the week.
Maximum temperatures in these counties are projected to be around 31°C, while the minimum could hover around 23°C. The dry and sunny conditions are likely to persist, offering some relief from the heavy rains forecast in other regions.
The department has encouraged the public, especially farmers and commuters, to take note of the expected weather patterns in their respective counties and plan appropriately for safety and productivity.
