Kenya Met Predicts Rainfall Across 46 Counties in New Forecast

The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast rainfall in parts of 46 counties across the country between October 20 and October 26.

In its seven-day weather forecast, the department said rainfall is expected in parts of Meru, Embu, Baringo, Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Garissa, Homa Bay, Kajiado, Kakamega, Kericho, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kirinyaga, Kisii, Kisumu, Kitui, Kwale, Laikipia, Lamu, Machakos, Makueni, Mandera, and Marsabit.

Rainfall is also expected in Migori, Mombasa, Murang’a, Nairobi, Nakuru, Nandi, Narok, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Siaya, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Tharaka-Nithi, Trans Nzoia, Turkana, Uasin Gishu, Vihiga, Wajir and West Pokot.

Kenya Met cautioned that rainfall distribution may vary across the listed counties, meaning some areas could receive more rainfall than others during the forecast period.

The department also warned of possible isolated storms in parts of nine counties: Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, Machakos, Laikipia, Samburu, Mandera, Wajir and Marsabit.

Residents in the affected areas are advised to remain alert to changing weather conditions as the forecast period progresses.

Meanwhile, daytime maximum average temperatures exceeding 35°C are expected in parts of Garissa, Wajir, Tana River, Isiolo, Kilifi, Marsabit, Samburu and Turkana counties.

The forecast indicates that residents in these areas should prepare for hot conditions during the day.

At night, minimum average temperatures below 10°C are expected in a few areas, including parts of Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nakuru and Kajiado counties.

Elsewhere, the Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC), in collaboration with relevant government agencies and the Nairobi City County Government, has opened the emergency spillway at Nairobi Dam as part of preparations for the anticipated El Niño rains.

In a statement earlier Monday, the commission announced that water was already flowing through the spillway.

The NRC said the exercise was part of a coordinated effort involving multiple government agencies to address potential flooding and environmental concerns.

"The opening of the spillway is part of planned interventions aimed at enhancing the dam's preparedness for heavy rainfall while paving the way for its comprehensive restoration. The exercise forms part of a multi-agency approach to improving mitigating flood risks and restoring Nairobi's river ecosystems," the statement read.

The NRC also urged residents living downstream of Nairobi Dam to remain calm following the opening of the spillway, assuring them that the exercise was part of planned preparedness and restoration activities.

"Residents living downstream of Nairobi Dam are urged to remain calm and not to panic. The opening of the spillway is part of the ongoing preparedness and restoration works. 

"Residents are advised to remain vigilant, keep away from the flowing water and river channels, and follow official advisories from the relevant authorities," the statement added.

The NRC further warned that water levels and flow conditions could change depending on rainfall and other factors, urging communities in downstream areas to remain alert and comply with safety instructions issued by relevant agencies.

"The public is reminded that water levels and flow conditions may change depending on rainfall and other factors. Residents in downstream areas should therefore exercise caution and take heed of any safety instructions issued by the relevant agencies," the statement further read.