The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast light rains and cold nighttime temperatures across several parts of the country through September 10. While most regions remain dry and sunny, residents in at least 16 counties face intermittent cool conditions, with overnight lows plunging as low as 4°C.
Kenya is experiencing a meteorological split this week, characterized by persistent dry and sunny conditions across much of the nation running alongside targeted rainfall and cold weather. According to a five-day forecast published on Saturday, September 4, by the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KEMSA), the current weather pattern will persist through Thursday, September 10. The department also warned of intermittent cool and cloudy conditions in parts of 16 counties.
Coastal Showers and Daytime Temperatures Exceeding 30°C
Kenya Met Lists Counties Set for Rains & Unusual
While central highlands shiver, daytime average temperatures are expected to remain high at more than 30°C in much of the coastal belt and northern territories. Daytime average temperatures of more than 30°C are expected in much of Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Garissa, Wajir, Isiolo, Marsabit, Turkana, Bungoma, Busia and Kakamega counties. The coastal region will see scattered relief, with Mombasa and Kwale scheduled for light showers on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings, while Tuesday brings sunny intervals. Kilifi is forecast to receive morning showers on Tuesday and Wednesday, with an additional chance of rain on Thursday morning, and Tana River will pick up showers on Wednesday and Thursday mornings.
Further north, Lamu is expected to receive light morning showers on Sunday and Thursday. Taita Taveta remains mainly sunny, though light rain is possible by Wednesday afternoon. Meanwhile, daytime highs exceeding 30°C will also bake parts of Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Garissa, Wajir, Isiolo, Marsabit, Turkana, Bungoma, Busia, and Kakamega counties.
Central Highlands and Rift Valley Brace for Lows Down to 4°C
The department warned of intermittent cool and cloudy conditions spanning 16 counties, including Embu, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Meru, Murang’a, Nairobi, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Tharaka-Nithi, Nakuru, Machakos, Kajiado, Taita-Taveta, Marsabit, and Wajir. Central Kenya bears the brunt of the cold snap. Nyandarua stands out with the lowest forecasted nighttime temperatures, dropping to about 4°C on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday nights before rising slightly to 5°C on Wednesday and Thursday. At night, some parts of the country are expected to experience temperatures below 10°C, with the affected areas including parts of Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nyeri, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nakuru, Narok, Kajiado, Trans Nzoia and Taita-Taveta counties.
Eight counties to receive rain as most parts of
Other areas expecting nighttime temperatures below 10°C include Samburu at 8°C on Tuesday, Trans Nzoia falling to 7°C on Thursday night, and Narok hitting lows of 9°C on Sunday night. Capital residents in Nairobi will experience night temperatures starting at 11°C on Sunday, climbing to 14°C on Tuesday before dipping back to 12°C on Wednesday. Machakos anticipates night readings between 11°C and 13°C, while Kajiado ranges from 10°C to 13°C.
Regional Rainfall Distribution Across Western and Northern Zones
Beyond the central and coastal sectors, scattered precipitation will touch parts of the Rift Valley, Western, and Northern regions. Garissa is set for light afternoon showers on Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday. Marsabit remains mostly sunny but carries a chance of rain on Thursday morning.
In central and eastern zones, Tharaka-Nithi is forecast to see light showers on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights, while Nyandarua, Embu, Kirinyaga, and Nyeri will record isolated showers on Sunday afternoon and the following Tuesday. Rift Valley counties including West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Kericho, Bomet, and Uasin Gishu will experience light afternoon showers following sunny morning conditions on Tuesday. Western Kenya counties like Kakamega will see light showers on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, with Bungoma and Busia recording similar afternoon patterns on Sunday and Tuesday.
