Nairobi residents were on Saturday night treated to pounding downpours as dark clouds gathered over the capital, with the Kenya Meteorological Department (Kenya Met) now warning that the rain is only just beginning — and that seven other regions are set for heavy rainfall this weekend.
In its latest weather advisory, the weatherman forecast rainfall across eight regions nationwide from December 13 onwards, raising both hope and caution in equal measure as the short rains make a dramatic return.
According to Kenya Met, [expander_maker id=”1″ ]Read more hidden text[/expander_maker]Western Kenya, the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, North-Eastern, North-Western, South-Eastern Lowlands, Central Kenya and Nairobi are all expected to experience varying degrees of rainfall, with some areas likely to receive heavy downpours.
The forecast comes as welcome news for farmers, particularly in Western Kenya, the Rift Valley and the Lake Victoria Basin, where anxiety had been mounting over delayed rains and the fate of crops. The department noted that the showers are expected to “bring some relief to many areas”, easing dry conditions that had threatened agricultural productivity.
However, the weatherman also issued a stern warning to residents in Marsabit and Turkana counties, where strong southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots (12.5 m/s) are expected to sweep across the region.
“Heads up! Strong southeasterly winds are expected over Marsabit and Turkana counties. Residents are advised to take the necessary precautions,” Kenya Met cautioned.
The advisory follows another outlook released earlier this week, which had projected rainfall in six regions, including the highlands on both sides of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley itself and the Coast, alongside showers in the North-Eastern and South-Eastern lowlands.
Despite the wet weekend forecast, Kenya Met indicated that much of the country will remain largely sunny and dry during the week, with rainfall occurring intermittently. In the highlands west of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin and parts of the Rift Valley, sunny conditions are expected to be broken by scattered afternoon and nighttime showers.
The eastern highlands will experience cloudy mornings with light rain, giving way to sunshine and occasional showers later in the day and night. Along the Coast, generally sunny weather will prevail, though morning, afternoon and evening showers are anticipated in select areas.
Temperatures are also set to soar, with daytime highs exceeding 30°C in the Coast, North-Eastern and North-Western Kenya, as well as parts of the South-Eastern lowlands, Rift Valley and Western highlands.
As Nairobi reels from waterlogged roads and slow traffic, Kenyans in the affected regions have been urged to remain vigilant, plan movements carefully and take safety precautions as the weekend rains sweep across the country.
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