Kenyans in several parts of the country should brace for rainfall over the Christmas period, according to the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD).
In its forecast on Wednesday, December 24, the Met Department said showers are expected across six regions, including the Highlands east and west of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley itself, and the Lake Victoria Basin.
The weatherman also indicated that the Coastal and South-Eastern lowlands will continue to experience rainfall during the festive season.
“Rains over mostly the southern half of the country, with rainfall expected to continue over a few areas of the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, the Coast, and the South-eastern lowlands,” part of the forecast read.
In particular, mornings are likely to see rain over the Highlands west of the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, and the Rift Valley, with isolated showers predicted in the afternoons and evenings.
The Highlands east of the Rift Valley are expected to have cloudy mornings with light rains, giving way to sunny intervals, while afternoon and night showers are also likely in some areas.
KMD further forecast that daytime temperatures will rise above 30°C in the Coast, North-eastern, and North-western regions, as well as parts of the South-eastern lowlands, the Rift Valley, and Western Kenya.
Meanwhile, minimum night temperatures of below 10°C are expected in the Central Highlands, the North and Central Rift Valley, Western Kenya, and areas near Mount Kilimanjaro.
Residents of Marsabit County were cautioned about strong southeasterly winds that could exceed 25 knots (12.5 m/s), posing potential risks during the holiday period.
The latest forecast comes after a previous KMD update, which predicted rainfall in seven regions, including Northeastern Kenya, in addition to the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, Coast, and southeastern lowlands.
At that time, the Met Department also warned of daytime temperatures surpassing 30°C in some areas, and night temperatures dipping below 10°C in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley, and around Mount Kilimanjaro.
