The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) has released a weather forecast indicating that rainfall is expected across at least 39 counties over the next six days. The affected counties include Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Embu, Garissa, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kericho, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kirinyaga, Kisii, Kisumu, Kitui, Kwale, Laikipia, Lamu, Machakos, Makueni, Mandera, Marsabit, Meru, Migori, Mombasa, Murang’a, Nairobi, Nakuru, Nandi, Narok, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Siaya, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Tharaka-Nithi, Trans Nzoia, Vihiga, and Wajir.
According to the KMSA forecast, morning showers are expected in several parts of Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River, and Lamu Counties. The rains are expected to bring relief to areas that have experienced dry conditions in recent weeks. The forecast also indicates that high daytime temperatures exceeding 30°C are forecasted for several regions, including Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Garissa, Wajir, Isiolo, Marsabit, and Turkana.
In addition to the rainfall and high temperatures, the KMSA forecast also indicates that cold night-time conditions below 10°C are expected in parts of Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nyeri, Nakuru, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Narok, Taita Taveta, and Kajiado. This variability in temperature is expected to have an impact on agricultural activities and daily life in the affected areas.
Over the past week, Moi International Airport in Mombasa recorded the highest seven-day rainfall total at 105.0 mm. This significant rainfall has brought relief to the coastal region, which has experienced dry conditions in recent months. The KMSA forecast indicates that the rains are expected to continue in most parts of the country over the next week.
Extreme temperature recordings have also been reported in various parts of the country. Mandera hit a daily high of 38.2°C, while Nyahururu registered the lowest daily minimum at 4.4°C on September 20. These extreme temperatures are expected to continue over the next week, with some areas experiencing high daytime temperatures and others experiencing cold night-time conditions.
The KMSA forecast has significant implications for various sectors, including agriculture, water, and health. The rainfall is expected to improve agricultural productivity, but also poses a risk of flooding and landslides in some areas. The extreme temperatures also pose a risk to human health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children.
The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority has urged residents in the affected areas to take necessary precautions to mitigate the impacts of the rainfall and extreme temperatures. This includes staying informed about weather conditions, avoiding flooded areas, and taking measures to protect crops and livestock from the impacts of the rains and extreme temperatures.
Key points
- Rainfall is expected across at least 39 counties over the next six days.
- High daytime temperatures exceeding 30°C are forecasted for several regions.
- Cold night-time conditions below 10°C are expected in parts of Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nyeri, Nakuru, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Narok, Taita Taveta, and Kajiado.
