A security guard covers himself from the morning rains at Lions Place, Westlands, Nairobi on March 19, 2025/ VICTOR IMBOTO
The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a weather advisory warning Kenyans to brace for isolated heavy rainfall and temperature extremes in various parts of the country this week.
In its latest forecast covering the period from May 6 to 12, 2025, the department noted that several regions—including the Central Highlands, Lake Victoria Basin, parts of the Rift Valley, Coast, Western, and North-Western Kenya—are likely to receive intermittent, heavy downpours.
“These rains will be scattered but could be intense in isolated areas. We urge Kenyans to plan ahead and stay safe,” the department said in its weekly update.
At the same time, soaring daytime temperatures are expected in much of the Coast, as well as North-Eastern and North-Western Kenya, with highs exceeding 30°C.
On the other end of the spectrum, nighttime temperatures are projected to drop below 10°C in parts of the Central Highlands, the Central Rift Valley, and areas near Mt. Kilimanjaro.
The advisory comes as the country continues to experience the March-April-May long rains season, which has been marked by shifting patterns and uneven rainfall distribution across counties.
In the week leading up to this new forecast—between April 29 and May 5—the weatherman had predicted reduced rainfall across most of the country. Only a few localized regions received significant showers.
During that period, daytime temperatures above 30°C were recorded in coastal counties such as Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, and Lamu, as well as inland regions like Turkana, Garissa, and parts of the South-Eastern lowlands. Meanwhile, chilly nights gripped parts of the Central Highlands and areas around Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Sunny spells were the norm in coastal and southeastern counties, including Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, and Taita-Taveta. However, occasional light showers were reported during the morning, afternoon, or night in scattered areas.
The Highlands East of the Rift Valley—including Nairobi, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, and Tharaka-Nithi—saw cloudy mornings followed by sunny intervals. Light rains were reported in select locations.
Further west, the Highlands West of the Rift Valley and areas around Lake Victoria saw more consistent dry and sunny conditions in the mornings.
Affected counties included Nandi, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Siaya, Busia, and Trans Nzoia, as well as parts of Baringo, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, West Pokot, Kisii, Kericho, Bomet, and Narok.
Despite the varying conditions across the regions, the Kenya Meteorological Department has emphasized the need for continued weather preparedness.
“We’re still in the long rains season, and weather patterns can shift quickly. Communities should remain alert, especially in areas prone to flash floods or temperature-sensitive livelihoods,” the department said.
As Kenya grapples with unpredictable weather and climate-related challenges, farmers, motorists, and residents in vulnerable areas are being advised to monitor daily forecasts and heed safety guidelines issued by local authorities.
