The Kenya Meteorological Department has advised Kenyans to expect rainfall and strong winds over the weekend in some parts of the country.
In a statement on Friday, May 17, 2024, the weatherman indicated that Central Highlands including Nairobi will receive isolated heavy rainfall on Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19, 2024. Other areas include Western Kenya, Lake Victoria Basin, and Rift Valley regions.
The forecast further notified Kenyans living in the Northwestern part of the country to expect downpours on Monday, May 20, 2024.
“Continued rainfall is likely over the Central Highlands, including Nairobi, Western Kenya, Lake Victoria Basin, and Rift Valley regions. Northwestern Kenya may receive rainfall from Monday, May 20,” the department stated.
“Isolated heavy rainfall events may occur in these areas,” it added.
With the expected heavy rains, the department cautioned residents and travellers to brace themselves for wet conditions.
Areas to experience strong winds
Besides rainfall, Kenya Met indicated that the Eastern half of the country and the Northwestern region will receive strong southerly and southeasterly winds of over 25 knots (12.5 m/s).
Nonetheless, the Kenya Meteorological Department maintained that the rest of the country will remain generally dry over the weekend.
🌦️ Weather Forecast for the Weekend
— Kenya Met Department 🇰🇪 (@MeteoKenya) May 17, 2024
Rainfall: Continued rainfall is likely over the Central Highlands, including Nairobi, Western Kenya, Lake Victoria Basin, and Rift Valley regions. Northwestern Kenya may receive rainfall from Monday, 20th May. pic.twitter.com/49UKwFWl1w
On Thursday, May 17, 2024, most residents were caught off guard by the heavy rains that pounded some parts of the country. Nairobi residents were majorly affected by the rains which caused traffic on various roads across the city. The heavy downpour came after days of dry weather in the country.
Earlier, the weather advisory had downscaled the intensity of rainfall which resulted in severe flooding in most parts of the country.
David Gikungu, Kenya Meteorological Department director pointed out that the rainfall peak was April.
“The peak of rains was in April, so no severe flooding is likely. Occasional rain is however likely over Western Kenya, parts of the Rift Valley, Central Kenya, and the coastal strip. Game parks should generally be accessible. Enjoy your vacation,” the department stated.
Cases of high temperatures
Gikungu further detailed that most parts of the country would experience sunny intervals and high temperatures in May.
“High average daytime (maximum) temperatures of more than 30oC will be experienced in most parts of the Coast, North-eastern and North-western Kenya.
“Average night-time (minimum) temperatures will be low (less than 10oC) over some parts of the Highlands East of the Rift Valley,” the Director explained.
Between Monday, May 6 to Sunday, May 12, 2024, the country experienced decreased night temperatures before a shift in the pattern.
