Forty-five counties are expected to receive rainfall between September 15 and 21, according to the Kenya Meteorological Department, with Nairobi among the areas likely to experience afternoon showers.
The latest seven-day forecast points to changing weather conditions across the country, with some areas expected to receive morning rains, afternoon showers, thunderstorms and night-time rainfall.
In Nairobi, residents should expect afternoon showers in several areas, with a few parts of the capital also likely to receive rain at night. Morning showers may also occur in a few areas.
Several counties in Western Kenya and the Rift Valley are expected to experience afternoon showers accompanied by thunderstorms. These include Baringo, Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kericho, Kisii, Kisumu, Migori, Nakuru, Nandi, Narok, Nyamira, Siaya, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu and Vihiga.
The Coast region is also expected to receive rainfall, with morning and afternoon showers forecast in parts of Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu and Tana River.
However, the weather pattern will not be uniform across the country.
Northern and northeastern counties are expected to remain significantly warmer, with daytime average temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius in Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Garissa, Wajir, Isiolo, Marsabit and Turkana.
Mandera is expected to record the highest maximum temperature at 39 degrees Celsius, followed by Lodwar at 37 degrees. Garissa and Wajir could reach 35 degrees, while Kisumu is expected to record about 33 degrees.
In contrast, temperatures will remain much cooler in some highland areas.
Nyahururu is expected to record a minimum temperature of 6 degrees Celsius, while Narok could fall to 8 degrees and Laikipia to 9 degrees.
In Nairobi, temperatures are forecast to range between 11 and 28 degrees Celsius during the seven-day period.
The forecast comes after most parts of the country experienced generally dry conditions between September 7 and 13.
According to the weather service, “Rainfall was recorded in a few counties, most notably Busia, Kisii, Kilifi, Mombasa and Kwale.”
Busia recorded the highest seven-day rainfall total at 120.7 millimetres, while Mtwapa recorded the highest rainfall within 24 hours, receiving 77.1 millimetres on September 11.
The Met Department says rainfall amounts increased at most stations that received rain when compared with the previous week.
Temperature variations were also recorded during the review period.
Mandera registered the country’s highest daily maximum temperature at 38.5 degrees Celsius on September 11, while Nyahururu recorded the lowest daily minimum temperature at 5.8 degrees on September 12.
The weather service says daytime temperatures generally declined across the country, although Wajir, Voi and Lodwar recorded slight increases.
At night, temperatures increased in most areas, with Suba, Kisumu and Kisii recording marginal decreases.
For residents across the affected counties, the forecast signals a week of contrasting weather from rain and thunderstorms in parts of Western Kenya and the Highlands to intense heat in the northern and northeastern regions.
