Cold Spell to Grip Kenya as Meteorological Department Issues Five-Day Weather Advisory

Kenyans should brace themselves for extended cold and cloudy weather conditions, with the Kenya Meteorological Department forecasting a chillier-than-usual spell across much of the country over the next five days, from Friday, August 29, through Tuesday, September 2.

In its weekly weather advisory, the department warned of low temperatures particularly in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the South-Eastern Lowlands, and the Rift Valley. In some areas, residents will face biting cold with temperatures dropping as low as 5°C. Counties expected to be most affected include Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi, where fluctuations between 5°C and 7°C are anticipated.

Western Kenya will not be spared either. Counties such as Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, and Elgeyo Marakwet could see mercury levels fall to 8°C. A similar cold pattern is projected in Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and West Pokot.

While much of the country will grapple with chilly, cloudy conditions, the coast promises some relief. Counties including Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale are set to remain moderately warm, with equally fair conditions in the arid north-eastern region covering Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo.

Alongside the cold weather, Kenya Met has issued a rainfall advisory. Afternoon and evening showers, often accompanied by thunderstorms, are expected across the Lake Victoria Basin, the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, and parts of the Rift Valley. By Monday and Tuesday, rains may begin earlier in the day, extending into the night.

The department further cautioned of strong southerly winds exceeding 25 knots in the Coast, the South-Eastern Lowlands, and parts of North-Eastern and North-Western Kenya. Residents are urged to take necessary precautions, particularly motorists and fishermen at the coast.