The Kenya Meteorological Department has released its daily forecast, warning of light to moderate rainfall across 23 counties in western, central, eastern, and coastal regions. The forecast, valid through 9pm on Wednesday, October 7, covers counties including Mandera, Wajir, Marsabit, Isiolo, Trans Nzoia, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Kisumu, Siaya, Kericho, Kisii, Nakuru, Nyandarua, Meru, Nyeri, Embu, Kirinyaga, Tharaka Nithi, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Lamu.
Residents in Turkana, Samburu, and Marsabit are advised to brace for strong southerly to southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots, equivalent to 12.5 metres per second. The heaviest precipitation is expected in the northeast, with Mandera and Wajir facing moderate showers and thunderstorms in the evening and afternoon. Marsabit is likely to experience moderate rain in the morning, particularly around Moyale, with showers also possible overnight and in the afternoon.
In the western region, counties such as Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, and Trans Nzoia can expect light showers and thunderstorms overnight, with a return of activity in the afternoon alongside Vihiga. Kericho, Nakuru, Bomet, Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi, Baringo, West Pokot, and Samburu are also in line for afternoon showers. Turkana, Homa Bay, Migori, Narok, Kajiado, and Uasin Gishu are forecast to remain largely dry with sunny spells.
In central Kenya, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, and Nyeri will be partly cloudy overnight before light rains arrive in the morning and light showers follow in the afternoon. Nyandarua is expected to be the coldest county, with temperatures between 10°C and 23°C. Nairobi should see a cloudy morning with a chance of light rains and sunny breaks later, with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 26°C.
Along the coast, Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, and Lamu are forecast to be partly cloudy, with sunny intervals and occasional light showers during the day. Mombasa temperatures will sit between 24°C and 30°C, while Lamu will range from 24°C to 31°C. Turkana is set to be the hottest county, reaching a high of 36°C against a low of 27°C. Mandera follows with a forecast high of 35°C, Garissa at 34°C, and Wajir at 33°C.
In the 24 hours to 9am on Tuesday, Mandera recorded the highest rainfall at 40mm, a figure the department classifies as heavy. Garissa received approximately 21mm, Wajir about 11mm, Ruruma-Mikomani around 10mm, and both Moyale and Mombasa roughly 7mm each. The Kenya Meteorological Department has urged residents to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
The department's forecast is crucial in helping residents prepare for the expected weather conditions. By taking necessary precautions, residents can minimize the risks associated with the expected rainfall and strong winds. The Kenya Meteorological Department will continue to provide updates on the weather forecast to ensure public safety.
Key points
- 23 counties across western, central, eastern, and coastal regions are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall.
- Strong southerly winds exceeding 25 knots are forecast over parts of northern Kenya.
- The heaviest precipitation is expected in the northeast, with Mandera and Wajir facing moderate showers and thunderstorms.
