The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has warned that several parts of the country will experience heavy rainfall, strong winds, and extreme temperatures, urging residents to prepare for changing weather patterns.
In its latest weekly forecast for the period between Tuesday, July 7, and Monday, July 13, Kenya Met said rainfall is expected across parts of western Kenya, the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Central Highlands, the Coast and sections of the Northeastern region.
Counties expected to receive rainfall include Bungoma, Kakamega, Vihiga, Baringo, Bomet, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Kericho, Nakuru, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Busia, Homa Bay, Kisii,and Kisumu.
Others include Migori, Narok, Nyamira, Siaya, Embu, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Meru, Murang’a, Nairobi, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Tharaka-Nithi, Garissa, Marsabit, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Mombasa and coastal areas of Tana River County.
The weatherman said many of the affected counties will experience occasional morning rainfall before giving way to sunny intervals later in the day.
Kenya Met Predicts Rain, Strong Winds and Extreme Temperatures
Afternoon showers and thunderstorms are expected in Bungoma, Kakamega, Vihiga, Baringo, Bomet, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Kericho, Nakuru, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Busia, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kisumu, Migori, Narok, Nyamira and Siaya.
Afternoon showers are also forecast in Embu, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Meru, Murang’a, Nairobi, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Tharaka-Nithi, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu and Mombasa. Along the Coast, the showers are expected mainly during the first half of the forecast period.
Night showers are likely in Embu, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Meru, Murang’a, Nairobi, Nyandarua, Nyeri and Tharaka-Nithi, as well as parts of Bungoma, Kakamega, Vihiga, Baringo, Bomet, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Kericho, Nakuru, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Busia, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kisumu, Migori, Narok, Nyamira and Siaya.
Meanwhile, Turkana and Samburu counties are expected to experience mostly sunny conditions with sunny intervals during the day and partly cloudy nights.
Garissa, Isiolo, Mandera, Marsabit and Wajir will also experience sunny days, although isolated morning rainfall may occur in a few places.
Also Read: Weatherman Reveals Counties Set to Receive Rain in July as Most Parts Stay Dry
Cool Conditions and Cold Nights
Kenya Met said intermittent cool and cloudy conditions are expected in Embu, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Meru, Murang’a, Nairobi, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Tharaka-Nithi, Machakos, Makueni, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Bomet, Marsabit and Mandera counties.
The department also warned that average night-time temperatures will fall below 10°C in Nyeri, Murang’a, Nyandarua, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Meru, Nairobi and Tharaka-Nithi counties.
Residents in these areas have been advised to keep warm during the night and early morning, particularly children, older persons and people with underlying health conditions.
Temperatures to Exceed 30°C
Despite the widespread rainfall forecast, daytime temperatures are expected to exceed 30°C in Kilifi, Lamu, Tana River, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Isiolo, Marsabit, Turkana and Samburu counties.
Mandera and Lodwar are forecast to record the highest daytime temperatures at 36°C, followed by Garissa at 34°C, Wajir at 33°C and Voi at 32°C.
Kakamega, Kisumu and Lamu are expected to reach 31°C, while Mombasa will record 30°C. Nairobi is expected to experience a maximum temperature of about 27°C.
Residents in hot areas have been advised to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during the afternoon and take extra care of children, older persons and livestock.
Also Read: 19 Dead as Extreme July 4 Heat Wave Sparks Growing Weather Crisis
Strong Winds to Affect 12 Counties
The department also warned that strong southerly to south-easterly winds exceeding 25 knots (12.86 metres per second) are expected in Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Mombasa, Turkana, Garissa, Isiolo, Mandera, Marsabit, Wajir, Tana River and Kitui counties throughout the forecast period.
The strong winds could affect transport, especially along the Coast and in open areas.
Residents have been advised to secure temporary structures, roofs and loose outdoor items, while motorists driving high-sided vehicles should exercise extra caution.
Mariners and operators of small fishing boats have also been urged to exercise caution because of rough sea conditions expected along the Kenyan coast.
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