Most parts of Kenya are set for another largely dry week, with rainfall expected in pockets of seven counties as the country moves closer to the October–December short-rains season.
The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) said parts of Lamu, Kilifi, Tana River, Mombasa, Kwale, Narok and Bomet could receive rainfall between September 8 and 14, while dry conditions are expected to dominate much of the country.
The weekly forecast comes as farmers and communities begin preparing for the OND season, which is an important period for farming and water resources in many parts of the country.
KMSA has called on farmers to use the current period to prepare their farms and obtain the inputs they will need ahead of the expected short rains. Communities living in areas vulnerable to flooding have also been advised to take early precautions.
“Most parts of the country are expected to be generally dry. However, some parts of Lamu, Kilifi, Tana River, Mombasa, Kwale, Narok and Bomet Counties are likely to receive rainfall,” KMSA stated in its weekly forecast issued on September 8.
The weather outlook also points to wide differences in temperatures across the country during the week, with some areas likely to experience very hot afternoons while cooler nights are expected in parts of the central highlands and Rift Valley.
Daytime maximum average temperatures of more than 30°C are expected in several counties, including Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Garissa, Wajir, Isiolo, Marsabit and Turkana.
“Daytime (maximum) average temperatures of more than 30°C are expected in several counties including Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Garissa, Wajir, Isiolo, Marsabit and Turkana,” the forecast said.
The nights are expected to be much colder in some parts of the country, with minimum average temperatures falling below 10°C in parts of Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nyeri, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nakuru, Narok, Taita/Taveta and Kajiado counties.
The latest forecast follows another mainly dry week recorded between August 31 and September 6, although several counties received some rainfall during the period.
KMSA reported notable rainfall in Bungoma, Nyandarua, Kwale, Narok and Kilifi, showing that isolated showers continued in some areas despite the generally dry conditions.
There were also marked temperature differences during the week. Mandera Meteorological Station recorded the highest daily maximum temperature of 38.4°C on September 6, while Nyahururu Meteorological Station recorded the lowest daily minimum temperature of 4.4°C.
As the country approaches the short-rains season, KMSA is urging Kenyans to make use of the current dry period to prepare for possible changes in weather conditions.
Farmers have been advised to get their farms and inputs ready, while people living in flood-prone areas have been asked to stay alert and clear drainage channels before rainfall becomes more widespread.
“As we prepare for the short-rains season: Farmers are encouraged to prepare their farms and inputs. Communities in flood-prone areas should remain alert and keep drainage channels clear. Continue following official weather updates and advisories from KMSA.”
KMSA said continued attention to local weather conditions would be important, particularly in areas where rainfall is expected and in communities at risk of flooding.
The authority has urged Kenyans to keep monitoring official weather forecasts and advisories as the country moves closer to the October–December short-rains season.