NAIROBI – Kenyans across the country are advised to prepare for wet and windy conditions this weekend, with the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) forecasting rainfall in major towns and strong winds in the northeast from Friday, December 26, through to Monday, December 29.
Rainfall Pattern and Expected Conditions
The weather outlook indicates occasional rain over the southern half of the country, with the intensity likely to increase as the weekend progresses. Major towns set to be affected include Kisumu, Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, and Meru.
In counties such as Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Murang’a, and the larger Central region, residents can expect cloudy skies with light morning rain and sunny intervals, followed by showers in the afternoon and night. Daytime temperatures in these areas could reach highs of 29°C, with cooler nights dropping to around 5°C in some parts.
“Occasional rainfall is expected over the southern half of the country. Rainfall intensity is likely to increase as the forecast period progresses,” the Kenya Meteorological Department stated in its forecast.
Regional Forecast Breakdown
The forecast varies significantly by region:
- The Lake Basin and Western Kenya: Counties including Siaya, Kisumu, Kakamega, Bungoma, and the entire Rift Valley region from Trans Nzoia to Narok are likely to experience rain both during the day and at night, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 32°C.
- Eastern and Southeastern Areas: Counties like Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, and Taita Taveta will see similar conditions of light rain and showers.
- The Coast: Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale will experience showers for most of the period, with a brief respite expected on Friday and Saturday morning. Daytime highs here could reach 34°C.
- Northeastern and Northern Kenya: A different pattern is expected for Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo, which will have predominantly sunny intervals with highs of up to 37°C. However, Marsabit County is specifically warned of strong southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots (12.5 m/s) over the next five days.
Public Caution Advised
The meteorological advisory comes at a time when residents, particularly in Nairobi, remain cautious due to recent flooding incidents in areas such as Waiyaki Way and Parklands estate. The public is urged to stay updated on the latest forecasts and exercise necessary precautions during travel and outdoor activities over the wet weekend.
