Will It Rain This Week? Heavy Downpours Expected in Central Kenya, Rift Valley and Coastal Regions

Kenyans across multiple regions should prepare for significant rainfall over the next five days, according to the Kenya Meteorological Department’s latest weather advisory. The forecast period, spanning Tuesday, February 17 through Saturday, February 21, indicates moderate to heavy downpours in several parts of the country.

Will it rain this week in your area? The answer depends on your location, with Central Kenya, the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria basin, coastal regions, and eastern lowlands all expected to experience wet conditions.

Will It Rain in Central Kenya This Week?

For residents wondering “will it rain this week” in Central Kenya, the answer is a definitive yes. The meteorological department has forecast rainfall across Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Nairobi counties.

The rainfall pattern in these areas follows a predictable schedule. Mornings will feature cloudy conditions with sunny intervals, while rain is expected to begin primarily in the afternoon hours. The downpours will likely extend into the evening and nighttime hours, creating challenging conditions for commuters and outdoor activities.

Residents planning outdoor events or travel should monitor weather updates closely and prepare for wet conditions during afternoon and evening hours.

Will It Rain in Rift Valley and Lake Victoria Basin?

If you’re asking “will it rain this week” in the Rift Valley or Lake Victoria region, prepare for heavy downpours. Kenya Met has issued specific warnings for Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, and Uasin Gishu counties.

These areas face particularly severe weather conditions, with heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms expected throughout the forecast period. The meteorological department emphasizes that these counties should take extra precautions due to the intensity of predicted downpours.

Additional counties in this region expecting similar weather patterns include Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and West Pokot. Residents in these areas should secure loose outdoor items and ensure proper drainage systems are functioning.

Will It Rain in Eastern and Coastal Regions?

For those questioning “will it rain this week” in eastern lowland areas, the forecast confirms rainfall for Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, and Taita Taveta counties. Inland sections of Tana River County will also experience wet conditions during this period.

Coastal residents should prepare for a mixed weather pattern. While rainfall is expected in some coastal areas, the meteorological department warns of high daytime temperatures in Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale counties, as well as the Tana Delta region. This combination of rain and heat creates humid conditions that require appropriate planning.

Which Areas Will Remain Dry This Week?

Not everyone needs to worry about the question “will it rain this week.” Northern Kenya counties including Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo will remain sunny and dry throughout the entire forecast period.

Residents in these areas can expect clear skies and warm conditions, making it ideal weather for outdoor activities and agricultural operations that require dry conditions.

Temperature Warnings Accompany Rainfall Forecast

Beyond answering “will it rain this week,” the Kenya Meteorological Department has issued important temperature advisories for various regions.

Cold Weather Alert for Central Kenya

Residents of Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Nairobi should brace for unusually cold conditions alongside the rainfall.

Night temperatures in these counties are expected to drop to approximately 7°C during the first three days of the forecast period (February 17-19). Temperatures will moderately rise to around 8°C for the remaining days (February 20-21).

These cold conditions, combined with rainfall, create a particularly chilly environment. Residents should prepare warm clothing, especially for children and elderly family members who are more vulnerable to cold-related health issues.

High Temperature Warning for Coastal Areas

While some regions experience cold and wet conditions, coastal counties face a different challenge. Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, and the Tana Delta region will experience high daytime temperatures despite some rainfall.

This combination of heat and humidity can create uncomfortable conditions and potential health risks. Residents should stay hydrated, seek shade during peak heat hours, and monitor vulnerable family members for signs of heat-related illness.

Preparing for This Week’s Weather Conditions

Now that we’ve answered “will it rain this week,” here are practical steps to prepare for the forecasted conditions:

For Rainy Regions:

Check Drainage Systems: Ensure gutters, drains, and water channels are clear to prevent flooding around your property.

Secure Outdoor Items: Strong winds accompanying thunderstorms can displace unsecured objects, creating safety hazards.

Plan Travel Carefully: Allow extra time for commutes during afternoon and evening hours when rainfall is heaviest. Roads become slippery and visibility decreases during downpours.

Protect Electronics: Ensure mobile devices and other electronics are protected from water damage, especially during outdoor activities.

Emergency Preparedness: Keep emergency contacts accessible and know evacuation routes in case of severe flooding in your area.

For Cold Weather Areas:

Warm Clothing: Prepare appropriate clothing layers, especially for nighttime when temperatures drop significantly.

Home Heating: Ensure heating systems function properly or prepare alternative warming methods like extra blankets.

Health Monitoring: Watch for symptoms of cold-related illnesses, particularly in children and elderly family members.

Hot Beverages: Stock up on tea, coffee, and other warm drinks to maintain body temperature.

For Hot Coastal Areas:

Hydration: Increase water intake to compensate for fluid loss through perspiration.

Sun Protection: Use sunscreen, wear hats, and seek shade during peak afternoon heat.

Light Clothing: Wear breathable, light-colored fabrics to stay comfortable in high temperatures.

Agricultural Implications of This Week’s Weather

Farmers wondering “will it rain this week” for agricultural planning should note that rainfall in Central Kenya, Rift Valley, Lake Victoria basin, and eastern regions provides beneficial moisture for crops. However, heavy downpours and thunderstorms may damage young plants or delay field operations.

Farmers in affected areas should:

• Secure greenhouse structures against strong winds
• Ensure proper field drainage to prevent waterlogging
• Delay planting operations until after heavy rain periods pass
• Protect harvested crops from moisture damage

Conversely, farmers in northern Kenya’s dry areas should continue implementing water conservation strategies and irrigation where available.

Travel Advisory for the Week

Travelers asking “will it rain this week” for trip planning should consider these factors:

Road Safety: Wet conditions create hazardous driving situations. Reduce speed, increase following distance, and use headlights even during daytime rain.

Flight Schedules: Thunderstorms may cause flight delays or cancellations. Check with airlines before heading to airports.

Outdoor Activities: Consider rescheduling outdoor events planned for afternoon or evening hours in affected regions.

Emergency Contacts: Keep Kenya Red Cross (1199) and other emergency numbers accessible during travel.

Staying Updated on Weather Conditions

The weather can change rapidly, so continuously monitoring updates is essential. The Kenya Meteorological Department provides regular forecasts through:

• Official website and social media channels
• Radio and television weather broadcasts
• Mobile weather applications
• SMS alert services

Don’t rely solely on initial forecasts. Check for updates at least twice daily, especially if planning outdoor activities or travel.

Historical Context: February Rainfall Patterns

While this week’s forecast answers “will it rain this week” for current planning, understanding broader patterns helps with long-term preparation. February typically marks the beginning of Kenya’s long rains season in some regions, though the main rainy season generally peaks in April and May.

This week’s rainfall represents normal seasonal patterns for most affected areas, though the intensity of thunderstorms in Rift Valley and Lake Victoria regions warrants extra caution.

Climate Change and Weather Variability

Kenya has experienced increasing weather variability in recent years, making the question “will it rain this week” more important than ever for planning purposes. Unpredictable rainfall patterns affect agriculture, water resources, and daily life across the country.

The Kenya Meteorological Department continues improving forecasting technology and expanding monitoring stations to provide more accurate and localized predictions for communities nationwide.

What Happens After This Week’s Rainfall?

Following this five-day period ending February 21, weather patterns will likely shift. Residents should continue monitoring official forecasts for updates beyond the current advisory period.

The meteorological department will issue updated forecasts as new data becomes available, providing answers to “will it rain this week” for subsequent periods.