The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a five-day weather forecast predicting light to moderate rainfall across 45 of Kenya's 47 counties, starting from Saturday, October 3, and lasting until Wednesday, October 7. Only Turkana and Uasin Gishu counties are expected to remain dry throughout the period, with sunny intervals during the day. The forecast defines light rain as less than 5mm of precipitation within 24 hours and moderate rain as between 5mm and 20mm.
According to the forecast, thunderstorms are expected to develop across western Kenya and the Rift Valley from Monday, affecting more than ten counties, including Kakamega and Kericho. Counties expected to receive light showers accompanied by thunder and lightning include West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo/Marakwet, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, Homa Bay, and Migori. Kisii and Nyamira will see moderate showers with thunder and lightning on both Monday and Tuesday.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has also warned of cold nights in several counties, with Nyandarua expected to record the coldest temperatures. Night-time lows in Nyandarua will fall to 5°C on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, and 7°C on Saturday and Wednesday. Daytime highs in the county will range between 25°C and 26°C. Other counties expected to experience cold nights include Samburu, Uasin Gishu, Kericho, Laikipia, Narok, and Nandi, all forecast to drop to 10°C on various days during the week.
Along the Coast, showers are expected on most days across the week, with Mombasa, Kwale, and Kilifi receiving showers on all five days. Moderate showers are expected in Mombasa on Sunday and Wednesday mornings, as well as on Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights. Daytime temperatures in Mombasa will reach between 29°C and 30°C. In the central highlands, moderate showers are expected at night from Sunday through Wednesday in Kiambu, Tharaka-Nithi, and Embu.
Nairobi will open the week with sunny conditions on Saturday before light showers arrive on Sunday afternoon and night. Light rains are then forecast on the mornings of Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, with showers expected each night. Temperatures in the capital will range between 13°C and 16°C overnight and between 27°C and 30°C during the day. In the north, conditions will be hotter and largely dry, with Mandera forecast to reach 38°C on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has advised members of the public to use the five-day outlook alongside its daily 24-hour forecasts. County-specific information is available from county directors of meteorological services. The forecast is available for counties including Nairobi, Nyandarua, Mombasa, and Turkana, among others.
Overall, the Kenya Meteorological Department's forecast indicates a high likelihood of rainfall in 45 counties, with thunderstorms expected in western Kenya and the Rift Valley. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions and stay informed about the latest weather updates. The forecast is expected to help individuals and organizations make informed decisions about their daily activities.
Key points
- The Kenya Meteorological Department forecasts light to moderate rainfall across 45 counties from October 3 to 7.
- Thunderstorms are expected to develop across western Kenya and the Rift Valley from Monday.
- Nyandarua will record the coldest temperatures, with night-time lows falling to 5°C on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.
