Brace for a rainy weekend, weatherman warns

Nairobi residents shield themselves from rain.[Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Heavy rains are expected to continue across several parts of the country in the coming week, the Kenya Meteorological Department has warned in its latest weekly forecast.  

“Rainfall will continue over the Highlands east and west of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Central and South Rift Valley, the South Eastern Lowlands, and the Coast. Isolated storms and heavy rainfall are likely in some areas,” said Kenya MET Director David Gikungu in an advisory.  

The forecast indicates that some counties will experience rains accompanied by thunderstorms including Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, and West Pokot.  

The weatherman predicts temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C to a maximum of 30°C.

Additionally, Nairobi and counties in Central Kenya, including Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka, and Nyandarua, are expected to receive rainfall and occasional showers.  

Other counties likely to experience rain include Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, Taita Taveta, and Tana River.  

In contrast, sunny intervals will dominate in Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo counties, with only below-average rainfall expected in a few places, while coastal counties such as Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale will experience showers in isolated areas.  

Trail of destruction

The advisory follows heavy rains that have battered several parts of the country over the past few days, leaving a trail of destruction. 

In Nairobi, flooding on Thursday evening rendered roads impassable, disrupting transportation and daily activities.  

Residents also reported power outages over the past two days, compounding the challenges caused by the downpours.  

The Meteorological Department has urged citizens to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions, especially in flood-prone areas.