The Kenya Meteorological Department (Met) has issued a warning for extreme daytime heat across the country from Tuesday, January 21, to Monday, January 27. During this period, Kenyans can expect scorching temperatures, particularly in the Coast, North-eastern, North-western, and parts of the Rift Valley regions.
In a detailed weather forecast, Met indicated that much of the country will experience sunny and dry conditions throughout the week. Daytime temperatures are anticipated to rise above 30°C, especially in regions like the Coast and parts of the North-eastern and North-western areas. The hot conditions are expected to bring significant discomfort during the day, particularly in urban areas such as Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale Counties, where residents may experience a few light morning showers followed by intervals of sun.
On the flip side, Met has also warned of chilly nights, with temperatures expected to dip below 10°C in the Central Highlands, Central Rift Valley, and South-eastern lowlands. These areas will experience cold nights, which could bring a drastic temperature shift from the extreme daytime heat. The sharp contrast between day and night temperatures can have an impact on the general well-being of residents, especially for those living in the affected highland areas.
In addition to the heat, the forecast warns of strong southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots (12.5 m/s) in parts of Turkana, Marsabit, and Garissa counties. These gusty winds are likely to bring dusty conditions to these areas, which may affect visibility and air quality, posing a challenge for travelers and locals.
Despite the dry conditions dominating most regions, the Met has identified areas that may experience rainfall later in the week. Regions like the Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, Nairobi, Lake Victoria Basin, South Rift Valley, and South-eastern lowlands could witness sporadic showers, potentially providing some relief from the intense heat. The Lake Victoria Basin, Central and South Rift Valley, and parts of the Highlands West of the Rift Valley will mostly see sunny intervals during the day, with minimal cloud cover.
Overall, while the majority of Kenya will endure the searing heat during the day, residents in specific areas should be prepared for fluctuating weather patterns, including potential rain showers later in the week. As always, Met advises the public to take precautions against extreme temperatures, staying hydrated and seeking shelter during the hottest parts of the day.
