Met Department issues alert for strong winds and large waves in coastal region
The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a critical weather alert, warning of strong winds and large waves expected to impact coastal and northeastern regions of Kenya starting Friday, May 23, 2025.
According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, these conditions may intensify, with winds potentially reaching speeds of over 30 knots (15.4 m/s) in some areas.
This will be affecting regions such as Marsabit, Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Kitui, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, and Kwale.
The wind speed is expected to strengthen to over 35 knots (18.0 m/s) on Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25, before subsiding to 25 knots (12.9 m/s) on Monday, May 26.
The Kenya Red Cross has urged residents in these areas to remain vigilant and take immediate safety measures to mitigate risks. The Kenya Red Cross, in collaboration with the Kenya Meteorological Department, has advised residents to stay updated through local media and take necessary precautions.
“Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential gale (very strong winds) and large waves over the Indian Ocean,” Kenya Met stated.
Fishermen and those engaging in water-related activities are also urged to exercise extreme caution, as the high waves could lead to the capsising of boats and potential loss of lives.
On land, the strong winds may cause structural damage, such as roofs being blown off and trees being uprooted, particularly in vulnerable areas. Residents are encouraged to secure loose outdoor items and avoid unnecessary travel during this period.
This weather event aligns with historical patterns in the region, as the Indian Ocean experiences seasonal monsoon winds that often intensify between May and July. According to a 2024 climate analysis, these winds are driven by the Kuzi season, a period of stronger but less consistent southerly trade winds.
Author
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a digital writer with over five years of experience. He graduated in February 2022 with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from The Co-operative University of Kenya. He has written news and feature stories for platforms such as Construction Review Online, Sports Brief, Briefly News, and Criptonizando. In 2023, he completed a course in Digital Investigation Techniques with AFP. He joined K24 Digital in May 2025. For inquiries, he can be reached at [email protected].
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