Cold nights are expected to persist in Nairobi and several highland counties over the coming days, even as light rainfall returns to parts of western Kenya and the Rift Valley, according to the latest five-day weather forecast issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department.
The forecast, which runs from January 31 to next Wednesday, shows that rainfall activity will be limited to a few regions, mainly the Highlands west of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, and parts of the South Rift. Counties likely to receive scattered showers include Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, as well as parts of Kisii and Nyamira.
Kenya Met said additional areas expected to experience rainfall during the period include Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Kericho, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Narok, and Baringo.
However, the department noted that the rains will be unevenly distributed and confined to isolated locations.
Most of the rainfall is expected in the afternoon and at night, with some instances accompanied by thunderstorms. Morning hours in the affected regions are expected to remain largely sunny.
According to the department, rainfall amounts will remain light to moderate, with no signs of sustained or widespread rainfall during the forecast period.
Temperatures across the country are expected to show sharp contrasts. Daytime temperatures in several regions will range between 30°C and 33°C, while night-time temperatures in some highland areas could fall to as low as 8°C.
In the Highlands east of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi, Kiambu, Nyeri, Murang’a, Laikipia, Meru, Embu, and Kirinyaga, the weather is expected to remain mostly dry. Residents in these areas are likely to experience sunny conditions during the day, with only a few places recording brief light showers.
Nights in Nairobi and the surrounding counties are forecast to be partly cloudy and cold, with temperatures dropping to between 5°C and 8°C. During the day, temperatures are expected to rise to between 31°C and 33°C.
Kenya Met also indicated that hot and dry weather will continue in the north-western parts of the country. Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo are expected to experience sunny conditions throughout the day.
Temperatures in these counties are forecast to climb to highs of up to 38°C during the day, before dropping to about 17°C at night.
Meanwhile, the south-eastern lowlands, including Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, and Taita Taveta, are expected to remain largely dry, with sunny days and partly cloudy nights.
At the Coast, counties such as Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, and Lamu are forecast to experience warm and humid conditions, with sunny intervals dominating throughout the period and no rainfall expected.
