Kenya Met Warns Of Thunderstorms, Heavy Rains In Nairobi, Mt Kenya Regions

The Kenya Meteorological Department (Kenya Met) has cautioned residents living in Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang’a and most of the Mt Kenya region of rainfall and thunderstorms in some areas in the coming week as the short rain season gets underway.

In the seven-day weather forecast released on Tuesday, October 15, the weatherman urged Kenyans to prepare for rainfall with the possibility of isolated storms, with the Central Highlands, Western Kenya, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and North-Western Kenya in particular focus.

Apart from Nairobi, other parts of the highlands East of the Rift Valley include Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Meru, Embu and Tharaka-Nithi.

The outlook indicates that the above regions will experience morning rains in scattered areas, while afternoon and evening showers, including thunderstorms, are likely to intensify over several locations.

Photo of heavy rainfall in Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) as taken on January 19, 2024. /MARVIN CHEGE.VIRAL TEA KE

“Intermittent cloudiness and light rains are expected over few places in the mornings giving way to sunny intervals. Afternoon showers are likely to occur over several places,” Kenya Met projected, adding “Nights are likely to be partly cloudy though occasional showers may occur over few places.”

City residents have thus been advised to dress in line with the weather patterns observed and to be on the lookout.

Temperature Advisory

Coastal counties like Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale are set to remain mostly dry during the day, with occasional night cloudiness. Residents should brace for high daytime temperatures exceeding 30°C, particularly in some coastal, south-eastern, and northern regions.

At the same time, chilly nights, with temperatures dropping below 10°C, are expected in parts of the Central and Eastern Highlands.

Kenya Met Director General Dr David Gikungu urged residents to remain vigilant, noting the shifting weather conditions and significant temperature variations across the country. He highlighted that while some regions will see rainfall and storms, others will experience sweltering heat. 

“High average daytime (maximum) temperatures of more than 30°C will be experienced in some parts of the Coast, the South-eastern lowlands, North-eastern and North-western Kenya,” Kenya Met reported.

“Average night-time (minimum) temperatures will be low (less than 10°C) over some parts of the Highlands East of the Rift Valley and the Central Rift Valley.”

In contrast, the arid north-eastern counties, including Wajir and Garissa, will remain predominantly sunny during the day but may see light showers in isolated spots, particularly around Marsabit. Despite the dry daytime conditions, residents are advised to prepare for the possibility of night-time showers.

The southeastern lowlands, covering areas such as Machakos, Kajiado, and Makueni, are expected to remain mostly dry, with rains likely to begin later in the week.

Meanwhile, Tana River’s inland regions may escape the showers entirely, staying sunny and dry throughout the period.

Collage image of bright sunlight and a camping tent lit at night. /UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND.HOLIDIFY