Nairobi, Coast among regions to receive heavy rains – Met says

Kenyans have been put on high alert after the Kenya Meteorological Department warned of continued rainfall across large parts of the country, with heavy downpours expected in several regions.

In its latest advisory covering April 27 to May 4, the department said rains will persist over the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi, as well as the Rift Valley, Coast and Northeastern regions.

The weatherman cautioned that some areas could experience intense rainfall episodes, increasing the risk of flash floods, rising river levels and poor visibility for motorists. It also warned that rivers could swell even in areas not directly receiving heavy rainfall.

Hilly and mountainous areas, particularly around the Aberdare Ranges and Mount Kenya, face an elevated risk of landslides as the rains continue.

Motorists have been urged to exercise caution due to reduced visibility, while residents in low-lying and landslide-prone areas have been advised to remain vigilant.

The department also warned against walking or driving through moving water, citing the dangers posed by fast-flowing floods, and cautioned against sheltering under trees or near grilled windows during storms due to the risk of lightning and debris.

Even as the rains pound several regions, the forecast indicates contrasting weather patterns, with daytime temperatures expected to exceed 30°C in the Coast, Southeastern lowlands, and parts of Northeastern and Northwestern Kenya.

At the same time, night-time temperatures are projected to drop below 10°C in parts of the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, the Central Rift Valley and areas near Mount Kilimanjaro.

In an earlier outlook, acting director Edward Muriuki warned that rainfall exceeding 20mm within 24 hours is likely across large parts of the country, with the heaviest downpours expected between April 26 and April 28.

Regions expected to bear the brunt include the Highlands, both east and west of the Rift Valley; the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley; the Southeastern lowlands, as well as Northwestern and Northeastern Kenya.

Counties on high alert include Turkana and Samburu, the Lake Victoria Basin counties of Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Kisii and Kakamega, as well as Rift Valley counties such as Nakuru, Baringo and West Pokot.

Central highland counties including Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri and Meru are also at risk, alongside coastal counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu and Tana River, and parts of Northeastern Kenya such as Garissa.

The Coast is expected to experience sustained heavy rainfall, with accumulations above 20mm within 24 hours likely to persist until at least April 27.