Brace for heatwaves and heavy rains ahead - MET

The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of an unpredictable week ahead as the country braces for an unusual combination of extreme heat and heavy rainfall.

The forecast, which covers October 8 to October 14, 2024, reports significant temperature fluctuations and varying weather conditions in different regions of Kenya.

Major urban centres such as Nairobi, Nakuru and Mombasa are bracing for a challenging week, with residents expecting both scorching daytime temperatures and cool nights.

While much of the country will experience heavy rains, especially in the highlands, other regions will remain hot and dry. Coastal, North Eastern and North Western Kenya are expected to experience temperatures above 30°C.

Nairobi itself will see highs of 26°C, with nearby areas such as Thika potentially reaching a sweltering 31°C.

Conversely, overnight temperatures are expected to drop dramatically, with some areas dropping below 10°C, so be prepared for chilly conditions after the hot days.

The capital will experience fluctuating weather patterns, with daytime temperatures peaking at 26°C and overnight lows potentially dropping to 11°C. Higher altitude areas such as Ngong could experience even cooler nights, with forecasts suggesting that temperatures could drop to as low as 10°C.

Regions around Lake Victoria, including Kisii, Kisumu, and Bungoma, are expected to receive steady rainfall throughout the week.

Thunderstorms are likely during the afternoon and night, providing essential water for agricultural activities, but also raising concerns about potential flooding in low-lying areas.

In the northern regions, counties such as Turkana and Samburu will experience mostly sunny days. Despite the heat, nights are expected to bring some respite with partly cloudy skies moderating temperatures.

North Eastern counties, including Garissa and Wajir, will experience sunny conditions, although some areas may see light showers towards the second half of the week.

The highlands east of the Rift Valley, including regions such as Nyandarua, Kiambu, and Meru, will experience cloudy mornings with occasional light showers.

These conditions are expected to clear by midday, giving way to sunny intervals. Afternoon and night showers, although less frequent, are also possible in several counties in this region.

Southern counties such as Machakos, Kitui and Makueni are set for sunny intervals during the day.

Although generally dry, the MET Office has warned that light showers may occur in the morning, with the possibility of afternoon showers in some areas.

Mombasa and other coastal counties are bracing for significant rainfall, with showers expected throughout the day and night.

Although the coastal belt has already experienced heavy rains, the forecast suggests that these conditions will intensify and the rainfall will spread to more parts of the region.