Kenya Met explains cold, cloudy conditions across the country
By Nancy Marende, July 28, 2025The Kenya Meteorological Department has explained the chilly and cloudy conditions experienced across much of the country this July, attributing them to a combination of terrestrial and atmospheric factors typical of the season.
According to Kenya Met, extensive cloud cover has been the most visible driver of the cold spell.
In a statement on Monday, July 28, 2025, the department revealed that the widespread stratified clouds continue to blanket much of the central highlands, including Nairobi, parts of the Rift Valley, and southeastern Kenya, limiting sunshine, thereby reducing daytime surface heating.
“High-pressure systems influence atmospheric stability, supporting the formation of cloud ‘blankets’ that trap cold air and suppress warming,” read the statement in part.
Additionally, the department revealed that altitude plays a significant role in the temperature drop.
“Areas like Nairobi and much of the central highlands are over 1,500m above sea level, making them naturally cooler,” the department said.
Moreover, it stated that the Southern Hemisphere winter has a regional impact. During this period, cool, dry continental air masses from the south reach Kenya, especially influencing temperatures in the central and southern parts of the country.
Cold weather
This comes days after the department announced continued occasional cold and cloudy conditions over several parts of the country for the next five days.
In its weekly weather advisory published on Friday, July 25, Kenya Met forecast very cold weather in the Highlands east and west of the Rift Valley, the Southeastern Lowlands, and the Rift Valley.
According to the weather department, the regions mentioned above were expected to experience very low temperatures of between 10°C and 12°C.
In the Highland East region of Kenya, such a weather pattern was expected in the counties of Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Nairobi.
In the Rift Valley and the West of the Rift Valley regions, the counties expected to be affected include Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, and Kericho.
Other counties projected to experience similar weather conditions are Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, and Taita Taveta, as well as the inland parts of Tana River County.
While most parts of the country are expected to experience very cold weather, the northeastern counties of Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo are projected to remain moderately warm.
The coastal counties of Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale are also forecast to experience warm weather, with temperatures ranging between 20°C and 21°C over the next five days.