Five-day weather advisory forecasts moderate to heavy downpours from December 23-27, with thunderstorms hitting Lake Basin, Rift Valley, and Western Kenya
The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued an urgent weather warning urging residents across the country to brace for moderate to heavy rains over the next five days, including on Christmas Day itself.
In its comprehensive five-day weather advisory covering December 23 to 27, Kenya Met forecasted significant rainfall across Central Kenya, Western Kenya, the Lake Victoria region, the Rift Valley, and parts of the coastal region, threatening to disrupt holiday travel and festivities.
Kenya Met predicted heavy downpours on Tuesday, December 23, particularly across parts of the Lake Basin, Rift Valley, and Western Kenya, accompanied by dangerous thunderstorms that could pose risks to outdoor activities and infrastructure.
The meteorological department expects the rainfall to ease in intensity from Wednesday, December 24, through Saturday, December 27, offering some relief for Christmas Day celebrations, though showers will persist.
Twenty Counties Face Significant Rainfall This Week
Counties likely to experience significant rains include 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.
This extensive list covers some of Kenya’s most densely populated and agriculturally productive regions, raising concerns about potential flooding, mudslides, and disrupted transportation during the critical holiday period.
Central Kenya faces heavy rains in some areas, with precipitation starting in the afternoon and continuing into the night, a pattern that could create challenging evening commute conditions for residents.
Counties in this region include Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Nairobi, meaning the capital city will not escape the wet weather system sweeping across the country.
Coastal counties including Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, and parts of Tana River will experience only light rainfall, offering better weather conditions for beachgoers and tourists celebrating Christmas along Kenya’s Indian Ocean shoreline.
This regional variation provides some relief for the tourism industry, which relies heavily on coastal destinations during the December holiday season.
South Eastern and North Eastern Regions Stay Dry
Other parts of the country will remain mostly sunny and dry, particularly in the South Eastern Lowlands and North Eastern region counties, creating stark weather contrasts across Kenya during the same period.
While occasional showers may occur in some areas, these regions will largely avoid the heavy precipitation affecting western and central parts of the country.
The Kenya Meteorological Department also warned of very cold nights, especially in Central Kenya, where temperatures could plummet as low as 5°C—requiring residents to prepare warm clothing and heating solutions.
Counties likely to experience these chilly nights include Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Nairobi.
Despite the rainfall, Kenya Met cautioned that daytime temperatures will remain high in parts of the Lake Victoria basin as well as in the Western and Rift Valley regions, with readings expected to reach up to 32°C.
Kenyans Urged to Prepare for Disrupted Holiday Plans
The weather advisory arrives at a critical time when millions of Kenyans travel to rural homes for Christmas celebrations, raising concerns about road safety, flooding on major highways, and disrupted holiday gatherings.
Meteorologists urge residents in affected areas to monitor weather updates closely, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy downpours, and take precautions against lightning strikes during thunderstorms.
The wet Christmas forecast marks a significant departure from the typically festive weather many Kenyans expect during the holiday season, requiring families to adapt plans and prepare for indoor celebrations.
The post Kenya Met Issues Heavy Rain Warning for Christmas Week Across Multiple Regions appeared first on Bossnana.
