The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning about cold nights ahead for various parts of the country, especially during the ongoing rainy season.
According to a recent update on Monday, May 6, areas around the Mt. Kenya region and certain Rift Valley counties are expected to experience significantly lower temperatures. Notably, counties such as Nyeri, Muranga, Kirinyaga, and Laikipia may see temperatures falling between 8 to 10 degrees Celsius.
In addition, a broader range of counties including Nairobi, Kiambu, Narok, Machakos, Nakuru, Nyandarua, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, and Makueni will experience milder cold spells with temperatures hovering between 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. The same cooler temperatures will also affect residents in Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Kakamega, Samburu, Meru, and Tharaka Nithi.
Residents in these areas are advised to dress warmly and opt for appropriate attire to cope with the colder nights. The advisory highlighted that “Average night-time temperatures will likely fall below 10C in some parts of the Highlands East of the Rift Valley.”
Concurrently, the department noted that while the heavy rainfall is set to continue across the country, its intensity is expected to decrease as the week progresses. However, the public should remain vigilant as the rains have already caused flooding incidents in recent weeks.
The forecast anticipates continued rainfall in many parts of Kenya, including probable heavy rainfall events in areas like the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, and the Rift Valley in the early part of the forecast period. Accompanying the rainfall could be strong winds and thunderstorms, and the public is urged to exercise caution and avoid taking shelter under trees and metal structures to reduce the risk of lightning strikes.