Heavy rains expected across Kenya over Labour Day weekend

Heavy Rains pound Nairobi /FILE

Kenyans have been urged to brace for continued rainfall during the Labour Day celebrations and the long weekend, with the Kenya Meteorological Department warning of heavy downpours in several regions.

In its latest forecast, the department said rainfall is expected to persist in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley, the Coast and Northeastern Kenya. Some areas are likely to experience intense rainfall events that could trigger flash floods, landslides and rising river levels.

“As we prepare for the Labour Day celebrations and the long weekend, rainfall is expected to continue in several parts of the country,” the department said. “Heavy rainfall events are likely to occur in some parts of these regions.”

According to the forecast, the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin and the Rift Valley will experience morning rains in a few places, followed by afternoon showers and thunderstorms in several areas, with night-time showers also expected in multiple locations.

In north-western Kenya, morning rains are forecast in a few areas, with afternoon showers and thunderstorms in several places before easing to showers at night.

The Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi and surrounding counties, are likely to receive morning rains in a few areas, with afternoon showers and thunderstorms developing in several places and continuing into the night.

North-eastern counties will see morning rains in isolated areas, afternoon showers and thunderstorms in a few places, and light showers at night.

The south-eastern lowlands are also expected to record morning rains in a few areas, afternoon showers and thunderstorms in several places, and scattered showers at night.

At the Coast, showers are forecast in a few areas throughout the morning, afternoon and night.

The weatherman cautioned that heavy rainfall episodes could reduce visibility for motorists and increase the risk of flash floods, particularly in low-lying and poorly drained areas.

“Residents in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas are advised to remain vigilant,” the department said. “Members of the public should avoid walking or driving through moving water and should not shelter under trees or near grilled windows during storms due to the risk of lightning and flying debris.”

The advisory comes amid ongoing rains that have affected various parts of the country in recent days.

While many regions will experience cool and wet conditions, daytime temperatures are expected to remain high in parts of the Coast, north-eastern and south-eastern lowlands. At the same time, night-time temperatures could drop significantly in some highland areas.

Authorities are urging Kenyans travelling for the long weekend to monitor weather updates and heed official advisories to minimise risks associated with the ongoing rains.