Nairobi residents wading through water. /FILE

The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that rainfall will persist in several parts of the country, with heavy downpours expected in some regions.

In its latest forecast, thedepartmentt said rains will continue in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley and the Lake Victoria Basin, as well as parts of the Coast, Southeastern Lowlands, Northwestern and Northeastern Kenya.

The department cautioned that heavy rainfall events may occur in some areas within these regions, raising the risk of flooding and other weather-related hazards.

Kenyans have been advised to take precautionary measures, including avoiding walking or driving through moving water, which can be dangerous even at shallow levels.

The agency also warned against sheltering under trees or near grilled windows during storms due to the risk of lightning and strong winds.

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Residents in landslide-prone and low-lying areas have been urged to remain particularly cautious as the rains continue.

The forecast also indicates high daytime temperatures exceeding 30°C in the Coast, Southeastern Lowlands, Northeastern and Northwestern regions, signalling a mix of wet and hot conditions across the country.

At the same time, colder nights are expected in parts of the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, the Central Rift Valley and areas near Mount Kilimanjaro, where temperatures could drop below 10°C.

The weather department said it will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as necessary, urging the public to stay informed and adhere to safety advisories.

On Sunday, the National Police Service said at least 18 people have died following mudslides triggered by ongoing heavy rains across parts of the country. The fatalities, reported as of May 3, come amid sustained rainfall that has heightened disaster risks in several regions.

Police said mudslides have struck Tharaka Nithi County, Elgeyo-Marakwet County and Kiambu County, leaving families displaced and causing extensive damage to homes, infrastructure and livelihoods.

Police described the situation as dire, warning that the continuing downpour poses a serious threat, particularly in landslide-prone and flood-affected areas.

Multi-agency teams have been deployed to the affected regions, where they are conducting search and rescue operations, evacuating residents from high-risk zones and distributing emergency relief supplies.

Ongoing assessments are also being carried out to identify vulnerable areas and prevent further loss of life.

Despite these efforts, police have urged Kenyans to exercise extreme caution and remain alert as weather conditions remain unpredictable.

Emergency response lines, including 999 and 112, remain operational, while members of the public have also been encouraged to report incidents through the #FichuaKwaDCI platform.

The National Police Service said it remains on high alert and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property.

NPS said that close coordination between communities and response agencies will be critical in averting additional casualties.