Nairobi residents have been hit by a wave of chilly weather, forcing many to don heavy jackets, scarves, and socks to keep warm. The cold spell, characterized by misty mornings, has seen people on the streets seeking cover under umbrellas while others bravely face the elements.
In the city, the early hours are marked by a thick mist blanketing the streets. Pedestrians wrapped in shawls and wearing caps navigate the drizzly conditions, adding a touch of color to the otherwise gray atmosphere. Despite the cold, life in Nairobi goes on, with people heading to work and running errands, albeit with a noticeable shiver.
Inside offices, the cold is palpable. Workers frequently sip hot beverages like tea, coffee, or water to fend off the chill. However, the warmth from these drinks is often insufficient as the cold seeps through to those parts of the body not fully covered, particularly the legs. “This weather is not for the faint-hearted. How can it be this cold?” remarked a colleague at the Radio Africa office, encapsulating the general sentiment.
Kenya typically experiences cold weather from late June to August. According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, the current chilly conditions are expected to persist. Rainfall is forecasted for parts of the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Central Rift Valley, and Northwestern Kenya. These areas will experience intermittent cool and cloudy weather, with some parts of the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Southeastern lowlands, and the Rift Valley seeing similar conditions.
The weather forecast for July 18 to July 22, 2024, indicates morning rains in regions such as the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, and the Rift Valley, including counties like Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and West Pokot. Afternoons in these areas will see showers and thunderstorms, with additional showers in the night.
In Northwestern counties like Turkana and Samburu, rains are expected over several places, with showers and thunderstorms predicted for Friday. The weather will feature sunny intervals with occasional showers on Friday, transitioning to chances of morning rain and afternoon showers and thunderstorms over the weekend.
In the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi County and counties such as Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka, and Nairobi, mornings will generally be cloudy. These areas will see showers in high-ground regions during the afternoons, with partly cloudy nights and occasional showers over high-ground areas on Sunday and Monday.
Northeastern counties, including Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo, will experience sunny intervals in the mornings and afternoons, with partly cloudy nights. Southeastern lowlands, covering Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, and Taita Taveta, will have cloudy mornings that break into sunny intervals on Friday and Saturday, while Sunday and Monday will start with sunny intervals. The afternoons will be mostly sunny, with partly cloudy nights.
The coastal regions, including Mombasa, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale, are forecasted to have sunny intervals throughout the mornings and afternoons, with partly cloudy nights.
As Nairobians brace for the continuation of this cold spell, the Kenya Meteorological Department’s forecasts provide a glimpse into what to expect in the coming days. Whether it’s the misty mornings or the intermittent rains, residents are advised to dress warmly and take necessary precautions to stay comfortable and healthy during this chilly period.
