The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast a week of mixed weather conditions across the country, with western Kenya expected to receive the heaviest rainfall while many other regions experience sunny intervals and partly cloudy skies between July 14 and 20.
In its weekly forecast issued on Monday, the department said morning rains are expected in Kisumu, Siaya, Busia, Bungoma and Kakamega counties, setting the stage for continued wet conditions in the Lake Victoria Basin.
The forecast also indicates that afternoon showers and thunderstorms are likely in Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Kakamega, Kericho, Kisii, Nakuru, Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Narok, Bomet, Nyamira, Vihiga, Uasin Gishu and Nandi counties.
"Morning rains are expected in Kisumu, Siaya, Busia, Bungoma and Kakamega counties," the department said, adding that "afternoon showers and thunderstorms are likely to occur" across several western and Rift Valley counties during the week.
Residents in parts of Central Kenya should also prepare for occasional rainfall. The department said intermittent morning cloudiness, accompanied by light rains over a few places, is likely in Embu, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Meru, Murang'a, Nairobi, Nyandarua, Nyeri and Tharaka-Nithi counties. Afternoon showers may also occur in Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Tharaka-Nithi and Embu.
In contrast, much of the Coast, North Eastern, South Eastern lowlands and parts of the Rift Valley are expected to remain largely dry, with sunny intervals dominating both mornings and afternoons.
Counties including Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Turkana, Kitui, Machakos, Makueni and Kajiado are among those forecast to enjoy generally sunny conditions.
The department further noted that night showers may occur in Busia, Bungoma and Kakamega, while most other parts of the country will experience partly cloudy nights.
Temperature forecasts also highlight significant contrasts across the country. Mandera is expected to record the highest daytime temperature of 37°C, followed by Lodwar at 36°C, while Garissa and Wajir could reach 34°C. Nyahururu is forecast to be the coldest location, with minimum temperatures dropping to 4°C, ahead of Narok at 9°C.
Nairobi is expected to record temperatures of up to 27°C during the day and lows of 11°C at night, while Kisumu is forecast to reach a maximum of 31°C with minimum temperatures of 16°C.
The department advised the public to keep track of daily weather updates as conditions may vary across different parts of the country during the forecast period.