As the cooler season settles over Kenya, the skies are preparing to open up once again. The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a fresh warning, advising residents to brace for a period of continuous rain, chilly weather, and strong winds across several parts of the country. This forecast, covering the weekend of August 22 to August 25, signals a shift in the weather pattern and calls for residents to take necessary precautions.
According to the forecast, regions in the Highlands east and west of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, and the Rift Valley itself should anticipate showers and thunderstorms. This means that a significant portion of Kenya's population will be experiencing wet conditions. Nairobi, in particular, is set to have cold mornings, cloudy conditions throughout the day, and occasional showers, with nighttime temperatures expected to drop to a chilly 7°C to 11°C. It's a clear signal to residents to dig out their warm clothes and prepare for a cold front.
Beyond the rain and cold, the forecast also highlights the risk of strong winds. The northeastern, southeastern, and northwestern regions of Kenya are expected to experience powerful southerly to south-easterly winds, which could exceed 25 knots. These conditions pose a risk, especially for those in areas prone to storms, and a cautionary approach is advised.
While much of the country will be experiencing the chill, it's a tale of two weather systems. The forecast also reveals that some regions will continue to experience warm to hot conditions. Areas like Mandera and Garissa in the northeastern region could see daytime temperatures soar up to 37°C. Similarly, coastal areas like Mombasa will remain warm, with average temperatures between 29°C and 30°C. This stark contrast in weather across different parts of the country underscores the varied climate zones that make Kenya so unique.
