Kenya Met Forecasts Rainfall in 28 Counties, Warns of Strong Winds

The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast rainfall in 28 counties over the next 24 hours, while warning of strong winds in parts of northern Kenya and the Coast.

The forecast, issued at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, covers the period from 9:00 p.m. that evening to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 17.

Counties expecting rainfall

Several counties in western Kenya, including Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Kericho and Bomet, have a high likelihood of thunderstorms, with moderate to heavy rainfall expected in some areas by Thursday afternoon.

Other counties listed in the forecast include Kisumu, Nandi, Baringo, Homa Bay, Nakuru, Busia, Siaya, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Uasin Gishu and Trans Nzoia.

In Central Kenya, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Nyandarua, Tharaka Nithi and Meru are expected to experience light rainfall in the morning before conditions improve to sunny intervals. Some areas could, however, receive showers in the afternoon.

Nyandarua is expected to record the lowest overnight temperature in the region, with temperatures falling to about 9°C.

Along the Coast, Mombasa, Kwale, Lamu and Kilifi are forecast to experience partly cloudy conditions, with a possibility of light showers overnight. The weather is expected to become sunnier through Thursday morning and afternoon.

Nairobi is also expected to experience variable weather, with partly cloudy conditions and light showers overnight. The capital could see cloudy skies and light rainfall in the morning before sunny intervals and isolated afternoon showers.

Temperatures in Nairobi are forecast to range between 14°C and 23°C.

Strong winds expected in northern and coastal areas

The Meteorological Department has also issued a strong wind warning for parts of northern Kenya and the Coast.

Southerly to south-easterly winds exceeding 25 knots (12.5 metres per second) are expected in parts of Turkana, Marsabit, Isiolo, Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Tana River, Taita Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu and Kitui counties.

Despite the strong winds, much of the northeastern region is expected to remain dry and largely sunny.

Mandera and Turkana are forecast to record the highest daytime temperatures at about 36°C, while Wajir and Garissa could reach 34°C.

Kisii records highest recent rainfall

Rainfall measurements taken between 9:00 a.m. on September 15 and 9:00 a.m. on September 16 showed that Kisii recorded the highest amount during the period.

The county received approximately 43mm of rainfall, followed by Kericho, which recorded about 22mm.

Several monitoring stations, including Kisumu, Thika, Eastleigh, Dagoretti, Kitale and Wajir, recorded no measurable rainfall during the same period.