The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has warned residents in several parts of the country to prepare for a spell of cold and wet weather between Sunday August 16 and Thursday August 20.
The warning covers the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley as well as the Rift Valley and the Lake Victoria Basin. The affected areas could experience rainfall alongside cool and cloudy conditions during the five-day period.
In its weather forecast issued on Saturday August 15 KMD said the weather will remain unsettled in several highland areas with residents advised to remain alert as rainfall and low temperatures could affect normal activities.
The Highlands East of the Rift Valley will experience cool and cloudy conditions during the forecast period. The region includes Nairobi, Kiambu, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Laikipia, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Meru, Embu and Tharaka Nithi.
In Nairobi cloudy mornings are expected to give way to sunny intervals during the afternoon while nights will remain partly cloudy. Temperatures will range between 24°C and 27°C during the day and could fall to as low as 9°C at night.
Kiambu is also expected to remain cool and cloudy with light showers possible in some areas on Sunday afternoon. The county will experience cloudy mornings followed by sunny intervals while nights are expected to remain partly cloudy.
Rainfall is also expected across parts of the Highlands West of the Rift Valley and the Lake Victoria Basin. The affected counties include Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii and Nyamira.
Parts of the Rift Valley including Nakuru, Kericho, Bomet, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Narok, Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot may also experience rainfall and cool conditions.
The combination of wet weather and low temperatures could make early mornings and nights particularly cold. Heavy rainfall may also affect visibility and road conditions in areas that receive intense showers.
KMD has urged residents to remain attentive to official weather updates as conditions may change during the forecast period.
Those in areas expecting rainfall have also been advised to take precautions against slippery roads and possible localised flooding.