The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has issued a weekly weather forecast warning of heavy rainfall episodes across several regions of the country between January 20 and January 26, 2026, even as much of Kenya continues to experience mostly sunny and dry conditions.
According to the forecast issued on Tuesday, January 20, rainfall will be limited to specific areas, with the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley itself, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Coastal region, and parts of the South‑eastern lowlands expected to receive intermittent rain during the week.
The rainfall is projected to vary in intensity, with some areas recording moderate amounts while others experience heavier downpours over short periods.
Several Areas to Receive Rainfall
Rainfall distribution maps released by the department indicate totals ranging from 1 millimetre to 50 millimetres across the affected regions.
Localised areas within the Lake Victoria Basin, parts of the central Rift Valley, the central highlands, and sections of the Coast could, however, record higher accumulations where thunderstorms develop.
The announcement comes amid ongoing hot, dry conditions across large parts of the country, particularly in the northern, north‑eastern, and coastal areas.
Daytime temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius are expected to persist in the Coast region, North‑eastern and North‑western Kenya, as well as in parts of the South‑eastern lowlands.
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In the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, rainfall is expected in areas including Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a and Nyandarua counties.
Parts of the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, such as Nandi, Kericho, and Uasin Gishu, are also likely to receive intermittent showers.
In the Rift Valley, rainfall is anticipated in counties including Nakuru, Narok, and Baringo, while the Lake Victoria Basin will see showers in Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya, and Migori.
Temperature distribution charts from the weather department show extreme heat across Turkana, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Tana River counties, with maximum temperatures potentially rising above 35 degrees Celsius in some areas.
According to Kenya Met, similar conditions are forecast along the Coast, including Lamu, Kilifi, Kwale and parts of Mombasa County.
In the Coastal region and the South‑eastern lowlands, including parts of Taita Taveta, Kitui, and Makueni counties, the forecast indicates occasional rainfall alongside warm to hot daytime temperatures.
Coastal counties are expected to experience warm, humid conditions throughout the week.
Kenya Met Forecast for Highland Areas
In contrast, residents of the highland areas are expected to experience significantly cooler conditions at night.
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Kenya Met has forecast minimum night‑time temperatures dropping below 10 degrees Celsius in parts of the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the central Rift Valley and areas near Mount Kilimanjaro.
Some high‑altitude regions could record minimum temperatures of 5 to 10 degrees Celsius, especially on clear nights.
Central Kenya, including Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nyandarua and parts of Laikipia, is expected to experience a mix of warm daytime temperatures and cooler nights, with afternoon temperatures generally ranging between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius.
Nairobi and its surrounding counties are forecast to experience mild daytime conditions with occasional rainfall and cooler nights.
In western Kenya and the Lake Victoria Basin, including Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya, Migori and Kakamega counties, cloud build‑up is expected to lead to afternoon and evening showers on several days.
These areas may also experience moderate humidity due to the presence of the lake and prevailing wind patterns.
The department noted that weather conditions may change during the week and advised the public to follow regular updates and advisories issued through official communication channels.
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