Kenya Met: Expect continued rainfall across Nairobi metropolis Monday

Rain expected in parts of Nairobi /FILE

The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast continued rainfall across the Nairobi Metropolitan area within the 24 hours ending 9 am on March 3, 2026.

The department has warned Nairobi residents of possible waterlogging and localised flooding in some sections of the city.

In its latest weather outlook covering the period from 9 am on March 2 to 9 am on March 3, the department indicated that several areas will experience moderate rainfall.

Kenya Met added that isolated pockets of heavy downpours are expected, particularly over parts of Westlands and surrounding neighbourhoods.

“Rainfall is set to continue across the Nairobi metropolitan area, as shown in the latest 24-hour forecast maps. Several areas are likely to experience moderate rainfall, with localised pockets of heavier rainfall, especially over parts of Westlands and surrounding areas,” the Department said in a statement on Monday.

The forecast shows that showers are likely to persist through both daytime and nighttime hours, raising the risk of flooding in low-lying and poorly drained areas.

Residents have been advised to remain vigilant, especially in estates prone to water accumulation during heavy rains.

Motorists are urged to exercise caution on the roads due to reduced visibility and slippery surfaces, while pedestrians are cautioned against attempting to cross flooded sections.

The department further noted that localised heavy rainfall events could overwhelm drainage systems in some parts of the metropolis, potentially disrupting transport and normal daily activities.

Nairobi has in recent days experienced intermittent showers, and the latest advisory signals that the wet conditions are set to continue over the next 24 hours.

The long rain season has commenced earlier than usual in several parts of the country, with farmers advised to begin planting activities to take advantage of the favourable conditions.

According to Kenya Met, the onset criteria have already been met since mid-February over western, central, and highland regions, including Nairobi and counties within the Lake Victoria Basin and the highlands west of the Rift Valley.

The department explained that the onset criteria are defined as the receipt of at least 20 millimeters of rainfall within three consecutive days, with no dry spell exceeding seven days thereafter.

The early rains have been associated with favourable atmospheric conditions, including enhanced convective activity linked to the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO), which has temporarily increased moisture convergence and rainfall over several parts of the country.

However, the department warned that the MJO is likely to transition to less favourable phases from mid-March, which may lead to reduced rainfall amounts and an increased likelihood of dry spells in some regions.

The southeastern lowlands and south coast experienced rainfall onset in the fourth week of February, while northwestern and northeastern regions are expected to receive the onset between late March and early April. The North Coast is likely to experience a delayed onset in mid-April despite intermittent early-season rainfall.

Farmers have been advised to consult agricultural extension officers for guidance and continue monitoring the 24-hour, five-day, seven-day, and monthly forecasts issued by the department and county meteorological offices.