Met forecasts rain across 29 counties this weekend

The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast rainfall in parts of 29 counties during the weekend, with sunny intervals expected in most areas during the morning and afternoon before showers develop in some places at night.

The forecast, covering September 19 and 20, lists several counties that will record showers.

Among them are Kericho, Kakamega, Vihiga, Nandi, Kisumu, Baringo, Bomet, Homa Bay, Nakuru, Bungoma, Busia, Siaya, Migori, Nyamira, Uasin Gishu, and Trans Nzoia.

Other counties cited are Nyandarua, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Nairobi, Embu, Meru, Nyeri, Mombasa, Kwale, Lamu and Kilifi.

The weatherman said the showers would not necessarily persist throughout the day, with sunny intervals projected over most parts of the country during the morning and afternoon.

The forecast points to a shift in conditions later in the day, with showers expected in some of the listed areas during the night.

The forecast covers a wide geographical area, stretching from the western and Rift Valley regions to parts of central Kenya, Nairobi and the Coast.

Residents in Nairobi and neighbouring counties including Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyandarua, Nyeri and Embu are among those advised to expect rainfall, while several counties in western Kenya are also listed in the forecast.

At the Coast, Mombasa, Kwale, Lamu and Kilifi are expected to experience rainfall, with conditions varying through the day.

The department also warned of strong winds in parts of 12 counties.

“Strong southerly to southeasterly winds of above 25 knots (12.5m/s) are expected over parts of Turkana, Marsabit, Isiolo, Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Tana River, Taita Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu and Kitui Counties,” the weatherman said.

The combination of rainfall and strong winds means conditions will vary significantly across the country during the weekend, with residents advised to keep up with local weather updates when planning outdoor activities and travel.

The Kenya Meteorological Department's two-day forecast also provides daily predictions for morning, afternoon and night, including rainfall and wind conditions, to help communities and different sectors plan for changing weather.

The latest outlook comes as the country steps up preparedness ahead of the October-December (OND) rainfall season, with the department continuing to issue regular updates on expected rainfall patterns, temperatures and winds.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku said on Friday that the government had put plans in place to prepare areas expected to be more vulnerable to the effects of the rains.

Ruku said the government was ready to respond quickly to emergencies and prevent loss of life in affected areas.

“We are prepared, and we have put all the necessary plans in place,” he said.

He said the government had stationed resources in areas considered more vulnerable to the expected rains.