Kenya’s January heat normal for season, MET dismisses viral alert

By  avdeltanews@gmail.com

Kenyans feeling unusually warm this week should not be alarmed — the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) says there is no official heatwave alert, and a message circulating on social media claiming otherwise is false.

In a statement, KMD clarified that the heat wave alert currently circulating is not an official communication from the department and urged the public to ignore it.

"The warmer‑than‑average conditions are normal for the January–March season, which is typically the hottest period in Kenya," said KMD.

In its official forecast for the week of 27th January to 2nd February 2026, KMD predicts predominantly sunny and dry conditions across most of the country, with isolated light rainfall in highland and lake regions, and daytime temperatures above 30°C in areas such as the Coast, North‑eastern and North‑western Kenya.

At the same time, Nairobi is hosting the 72nd Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum (GHACOF 72), which brings together climate experts, meteorologists and policymakers from across the region to strengthen climate services and early warning systems.

GHACOF is organised by the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) to help governments and communities better prepare for changing weather patterns.

Speaking during the forum’s opening session, Acting Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department Edward Muriuki said climate risks are no longer distant threats but present realities for the region.

“Climate change and extreme weather events are no longer a distant threat, but a clear and present danger in our region,” he said.

GHACOF 72 has raised concerns about recurrent droughts, floods, and heat stress affecting food security, livelihoods and infrastructure across the Greater Horn of Africa.

At the event, IGAD representatives also stressed that improving climate forecasting and early warning systems is critical to protect vulnerable communities from weather‑related harm.

For ordinary Kenyans, this means the current heat is consistent with normal seasonal variation and not a sudden extreme event.

But it also highlights the value of official forecasts and regional climate cooperation in helping households, farmers and local governments plan ahead.

KMD has assured Kenyans that it continues to monitor conditions and will issue official advisories if warranted.