The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has issued an alert warning that several parts of the country are set to receive heavy rainfall during the month of May, as the long rains season continues. The forecast, which covers the period from May 5 to May 11, Kenya Met indicates that some regions could experience heavy rainfall in a short time, raising concerns about potential flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas.
In its latest forecast, the weather department said rainfall is expected to persist in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley region, and some parts of the Coast.
Other areas likely to receive rain include the Southeastern Lowlands, North-western Kenya, and North-eastern Kenya.
Regions Expected to Receive the Heaviest Rainfall
Kenya Met said the heaviest rainfall is expected in parts of the Lake Victoria Basin and the western and central highlands.
Counties around Lake Victoria, including Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, and Migori, are among the areas likely to receive significant rainfall.
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In the Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, areas such as Kericho, Nandi, Kakamega, Bungoma, Nyamira, Kisii, Nyandarua, and parts of Laikipia are also expected to receive enhanced rainfall.
Some of the rains may be heavy and accompanied by thunderstorms, especially in the afternoons and evenings.
Parts of the Rift Valley and the Southeastern Lowlands are also forecast to receive moderate to heavy rainfall, while isolated rainy episodes are expected in North-western and North-eastern Kenya.
The department noted that the rainfall pattern is typical of the long rains season but warned that intense downpours could trigger flash floods, especially in urban areas with poor drainage systems.
Residents have been advised to be cautious when crossing rivers and streams and to avoid driving through flooded roads, as water levels may rise rapidly.
According to Kenya Met, residents living in low-lying and flood-prone areas should remain on alert, as rivers may burst their banks and roads could become impassable due to flooding.
Strong Winds and Advisory by Kenya Met
Besides rainfall, Kenya Met has warned of strong southerly to southeasterly winds in parts of the country.
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Winds exceeding 25 knots, equivalent to about 12.5 metres per second, are expected over parts of Turkana and Marsabit counties.
The strong winds could pose a risk to small boats, light structures, and livestock, particularly in open and exposed areas.
Farmers and pastoralists in the affected regions have been urged to take necessary precautions.
Regarding temperatures, the department said daytime maximum temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius are expected in the Coast region, the Southeastern Lowlands, North-eastern Kenya, and parts of North-western Kenya.
Meanwhile, night-time minimum temperatures are expected to drop below 10 degrees Celsius in some parts of the Highlands East of the Rift Valley.
Residents in these areas have been advised to keep warm, especially children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.
Kenya Met urged the public to keep monitoring weather updates and heed advice from local authorities and disaster response agencies.
The department said timely action and preparedness could help reduce the risk of loss of life and property as the rainy season continues.
As part of the advisory, the Kenya Meteorological Department warned members of the public to avoid walking or driving through moving water, noting that flooded roads and rivers can be deadly.
Residents were also advised not to shelter under trees or near grilled windows during storms due to the risk of strong winds and lightning.
