Wet Week Ahead: Kenya Weatherman Warns of Intense Rains and Thunderstorms in These Counties

Kenya Meteorological Department issues five-day weather advisory as wet conditions grip most of the country

Kenyans across the country should prepare for persistent and at times intense rainfall over the coming days, after the Kenya Meteorological Department issued a five-day weather advisory covering the period from Tuesday, February 24 to Saturday, February 28, 2025.

The forecast signals widespread wet conditions, with a majority of counties expected to experience showers, thunderstorms, and notably cooler temperatures throughout the week.

Central Kenya and Nairobi Region

Residents in the central highlands and the capital face a particularly active weather week. Counties including Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Nairobi are all set to record showers accompanied by thunderstorms during the forecast period. Temperatures in these areas are expected to fluctuate between a chilly 10°C at night and a warm 29°C during the day, making layered dressing advisable, especially for early morning and evening commuters.

South-Eastern Counties

Further south and east, counties of Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, and Taita Taveta — along with the inland sections of Tana River County — will also contend with showers and thunderstorms throughout the forecast window. These areas can expect slightly warmer conditions, with maximum temperatures climbing to 34°C and overnight lows dropping to around 15°C.

The Coast

Coastal residents will experience a comparatively milder weather pattern. Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, and the coastal belt of Tana River County are forecast to receive showers only, with no thunderstorm activity expected. Temperatures will remain warm, ranging from 22°C at night to a high of 33°C during the day — typical of the humid coastal climate at this time of year.

Western Kenya, Rift Valley, and Nyanza

A wide swathe of western and Rift Valley counties is set for a stormy week. The weatherman has flagged Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and West Pokot as areas where rain and thunderstorms will prevail. Temperatures in this zone will range from 12°C to 30°C, with highland areas likely to feel colder during downpours.

Northern and North-Eastern Kenya

Even Kenya’s traditionally dry northern counties are not spared. Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo are all expected to experience rain with thunderstorm activity across the forecast period. Despite the wet conditions, the region will remain the hottest in the country, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 37°C and overnight lows of 18°C.

Similar conditions have been forecast for Turkana and Samburu counties, where temperatures are also expected to peak at 37°C, though nights could dip to as low as 10°C — a sharp contrast indicative of the region’s semi-arid climate.

Safety Advisory

Meteorologists and disaster management agencies typically urge motorists and residents in flood-prone areas to exercise extra caution during periods of heavy rainfall. Those near rivers, low-lying areas, or informal settlements are advised to remain vigilant for signs of flash flooding.

The Kenya Meteorological Department continues to monitor conditions and may issue further updates should the forecast change significantly.