Kenya Met Warns of Heavy Rainfall Across 45 Counties

The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) has warned of heavy rainfall exceeding 20mm within 24 hours across 45 counties over the next seven days. 

In a weather forecast on Sunday, October 25, KMSA said the heavy rainfall will be accompanied by gusty winds, with strong southerly to southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots in coastal, eastern and northern regions.

“Moderate to heavy rainfall exceeding 20 mm within 24 hours is anticipated over the counties in Coast, Northeastern, Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, the Central Highlands (including some parts of Nairobi) and parts of the Southeastern Lowlands.

“The rainfall is likely to be accompanied by gusty winds and strong southerly to southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots (12.5 m/s) over coastal, eastern and northern regions,” read the forecast in part. 

The counties set to experience heavy downpour include Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Isiolo, Migori, Nyamira, Bungoma, Busia and Kakamega. 

Others are Vihiga, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kericho, Bomet, Kiambu, Embu, Murang’a and Kirinyaga.

Nyandarua, Nyeri, Laikipia, Tharaka-Nithi, Meru, Narok, Kajiado, Nairobi, Taita Taveta, Kitui, Machakos and Makueni counties will also receive heavy rains during the week. 

The authority urged residents in the 45 counties to remain vigilant for potential flash floods and poor visibility during the rainfall.

“Residents in all the mentioned areas should remain vigilant for potential flash floods and poor visibility,” KMSA stated. 

The weatherman also warned that flooding may occur even in areas that have not experienced heavy rainfall, particularly downstream, where water can flow from areas receiving intense precipitation.

“To ensure safety, residents are advised to avoid shelter under trees or near grilled windows to minimize exposure to lightning strikes,” KMSA said. 

At the same time, KMSA said high temperatures are expected to persist in some parts of the country, particularly in the northern parts of the country.

“Residents in high temperature regions are advised to remain hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight,” the forecast added. 

This comes days after KMSA warned of strong winds and rough sea conditions along the Kenyan coast and offshore waters. 

In an advisory on Friday, October 23, KMSA said east-south-easterly to south-south-westerly winds are expected along the coast with speeds ranging from 4 to 24 knots (2–12 metres per second).

“East-south-easterly to south-south-westerly winds are expected over the Kenya coastal and offshore waters, with speeds ranging from 4 to 24 knots (2–12 m/s),” read the advisory in part. 

The authority also said sea conditions are expected to range from light to rough, with locally very rough seas possible in areas experiencing stronger winds and higher waves.

KMSA advised mariners, fishers and other sea users to exercise extreme caution, particularly in areas experiencing rough to very rough seas and strong winds.

Further, the authority urged small-boat operators and vessels operating in exposed waters to take appropriate safety precautions.