Much of Kenya is set for a largely dry week, but residents in parts of the Coast, eastern and western regions should expect rainfall, while highland areas brace for cool and cloudy conditions and northern counties face temperatures approaching 40°C.
The Kenya Meteorological Department’s forecast for August 25 to 31 shows that rainfall will be concentrated in selected parts of the country, with coastal counties expected to receive some of the heaviest showers during the week.
“Most parts of the country are expected to be generally dry,” the department said.
Parts of Kilifi, Mombasa, Kwale, Tana River and Lamu are likely to receive morning and afternoon showers, making the Coast one of the areas expected to record the most rainfall during the forecast period.
Rain is also expected in parts of Kirinyaga, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, Nyeri, Murang’a and Garissa, mainly during the afternoon.
In western Kenya, a few parts of Bungoma and Trans Nzoia could experience afternoon showers accompanied by thunderstorms.
The weather will also remain cool and cloudy at times in several central and eastern counties. The department said parts of Embu, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Meru, Murang’a, Nairobi, Nyandarua, Nyeri and Tharaka-Nithi could experience intermittent cool and cloudy conditions.
Similar conditions are expected in parts of Nakuru, Machakos, Kajiado, Taita/Taveta, Marsabit and Wajir.
Away from the areas expected to receive rainfall or cloudy conditions, sunny intervals are forecast across most parts of the country. Several counties will also experience partly cloudy conditions at night.
The forecast shows a sharp contrast in temperatures between the northern lowlands and the highland regions.
Daytime maximum average temperatures of more than 30°C are expected in parts of Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Garissa, Wajir, Isiolo, Marsabit and Turkana.
Mandera is expected to record the highest maximum temperature at 39°C, followed by Lodwar at 37°C. Garissa and Wajir could each record maximum temperatures of 35°C.
The situation will be different in the highlands, where some areas are expected to experience notably cold nights.
Minimum average temperatures below 10°C are forecast in parts of Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nyeri, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nakuru, Narok, Kajiado and Taita/Taveta.
Nyahururu is expected to record the lowest minimum temperature at 5°C, while Narok could fall to 8°C. Eldoret and Laikipia are expected to record minimum temperatures of 9°C.
The weekly forecast therefore points to varied weather across the country, with hot conditions expected in northern and some coastal areas, rainfall in selected counties and chilly nights likely in parts of the highlands.