Nairobi

Kenya is set for a dramatic weather shift this weekend, as the Meteorological Department warns of heavy rains, thunderstorms and unseasonably cold temperatures in several regions.

From Friday through Tuesday, downpours are expected in the Highlands on both sides of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, North-western Kenya and parts of the Rift Valley itself. Kenya Met warns that the latter half of the period may bring particularly strong rain and lightning.

In the Highlands East — including Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang’a and Nyeri — residents should prepare for persistent wet weather. Further west, counties from Kisumu to Uasin Gishu and Kericho are in line for heavier downpours.

Those in the South-eastern Lowlands — such as Kitui and Machakos — and parts of the coast may see only light showers.

Temperatures are expected to dip sharply, reaching lows around 7 °C in highland areas during the first two days, before rising slightly to 9 °C as the week unfolds.

Kenya Met also cautioned about strong south-easterly winds—gusts are forecast to exceed 12.86 m/s over areas like the coast and north-western and north-eastern counties.