Kenya is expected to experience a wet start to the new week after the Kenya Meteorological Department released a new weather update predicting heavy rainfall in several regions.
According to the latest advisory, the rains will affect eight major zones between December 30 and January 5.
The forecast closely reflects earlier patterns that my previous reports highlighted, and it appears other platforms have now expanded their coverage using similar insights.
In the new update, the weather agency notes that rainfall will mostly begin in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley itself, the Lake Victoria Basin, parts of northern Kenya, the Coast, and the South-eastern lowlands.
These areas are expected to receive moderate to heavy rains, with some places experiencing isolated thunderstorms—especially at the beginning of the week.
The western highlands and regions around Lake Victoria are among those expected to remain wet.
These counties include Nandi, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Siaya, Busia, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, and Narok.
In the Highlands east of the Rift Valley, rainfall is forecast in Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, and Nairobi.
Northern counties likely to be affected include Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo.
The South-eastern lowlands—Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, Taita Taveta, and parts of Tana River—are also expected to experience showers.
Even with the rainfall, daytime temperatures will remain high in several places. The Coast, Northeastern and Northwestern Kenya, and parts of the southeast will record maximum temperatures above 30°C. This heat could create humid conditions in coastal towns.
At night, however, some regions will feel much colder. Areas in the Central Highlands, North Rift, Central Rift, Western Kenya, and places near Mt Kilimanjaro may drop to below 10°C.
Residents are encouraged to prepare for possible flash floods, slippery roads, and reduced visibility. Farmers can use the rains to plan crop schedules, while travellers are advised to check weather predictions before starting their journeys.
The Met Department says it will continue watching the situation and provide more updates as changes develop. With weather patterns shifting quickly across the country, Kenyans are urged to stay informed throughout the week.