Residents of Nyanza, Western Kenya, and parts of the Rift Valley are being advised to prepare for rainy conditions over the weekend, despite the current sunny and dry spell across much of the country.
In its weekend weather update issued on Friday, January 9, Kenya Meteorological Department (Kenya Met) said rainfall is also expected in some Central Kenya counties and the South Eastern Lowlands.
The forecast indicates that the showers will begin on Friday and continue through to Monday, mainly in the afternoons.
Counties expected to experience rainfall include Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and West Pokot.
Residents in these areas should expect sunny mornings, followed by afternoon rain, tapering off by evening. Overnight, conditions are likely to remain mostly cloudy.
Similarly, Central Kenya counties including Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Nairobi are predicted to receive light rains on Sunday.
“The rains will be minimal with sunny conditions expected on Friday and Saturday this week, as well as Monday and Tuesday next week,” the advisory noted.
While these regions prepare for rainfall, much of the rest of the country is expected to remain sunny and dry. Northern counties such as Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo will continue to face hot and dry conditions, with daytime temperatures climbing to around 38°C.
The coastal counties of Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, and parts of Tana River are also forecast to remain dry throughout the weekend.
Kenya Met has also issued a temperature advisory for parts of Central Kenya, warning residents of very low night temperatures, especially in Nairobi. According to the department, nighttime lows are expected to drop to 7°C over the next five days, prompting a call for precautions.
Daytime temperatures, however, are projected to rise sharply across the country, with the highest readings felt in Northern Kenya and coastal areas.
