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Kenya Met warns of isolated heavy rainfall in parts of the country this August
03rd August, 2026 03:25 PM
The Kenya Meteorological Department (Kenya Met) has warned that some parts of the country could experience isolated heavy rainfall this August, even as many regions are expected to remain generally sunny and dry.
In its August 2026 weather outlook issued on Monday, August 3, 2026, the department said the month will be characterised by mixed weather conditions, with some counties receiving rainfall while others experience dry, sunny conditions and cool mornings.
“The forecast for August 2026 indicates that several parts of the country will be generally sunny and dry. Isolated heavy rainfall events are likely to occur in a few counties,” Kenya Met stated.
Regions set to receive rainfall
According to the weatherman, near-average rainfall is likely in parts of western Kenya, the Rift Valley and the Coast.
The counties expected to receive rainfall include Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Siaya, Vihiga, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kisumu, Kericho, Nyamira, Kisii, Bomet, Migori, Homa Bay, Nakuru, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa and Kwale, as well as parts of Narok, West Pokot, Baringo and Tana River counties.
The department, however, cautioned that isolated heavy rainfall events are likely to occur in a few of these counties, urging residents to stay alert, particularly in flood-prone areas.
Meanwhile, Turkana, Samburu and parts of West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo are expected to receive little rainfall during the month.
Cool mornings
Kenya Met also forecast occasional cool and cloudy conditions, accompanied by intermittent light morning rain, drizzle and fog, across several counties.
The weather is expected in Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Embu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua and Nairobi counties, as well as parts of Machakos, Kajiado, Kitui, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Wajir and Marsabit.
The department noted that August typically marks the end of the June-July-August cold season, which is associated with lower temperatures in Nairobi and neighbouring counties.
Sunny and dry conditions
While rainfall is expected in some parts of the country, Kenya Met said many areas will experience generally sunny and dry weather throughout August.
The affected counties include Laikipia, Mandera, Isiolo and Garissa, together with parts of Marsabit, Wajir, Taita Taveta, Kajiado, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Narok and Tana River.
The department encouraged farmers, travellers and members of the public to keep track of weather updates to help them plan their activities and minimise weather-related disruptions.
Strong El Niño Intensifies
The August forecast comes as the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) says El Niño continues to intensify during the August-October 2026 season, increasing the likelihood of unusual weather patterns across the globe.
According to the WMO, above-normal temperatures are expected in many parts of the world, while some regions are likely to experience wetter-than-normal conditions and others face an increased risk of drought.
The organisation added that the outlook is consistent with a classic, strong El Niño event, which is expected to influence global weather patterns over the coming months.
“El Niño continues to intensify during the August-October 2026 season. Above-normal temperatures are likely across the world. Wetter conditions in some regions and drought risk in others are expected, consistent with a classic, strong El Niño event,” WMO stated.
