The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has issued a weather forecast indicating rainfall in various parts of the country on Monday, accompanied by cool and cloudy conditions in other regions.
Counties expected to receive rain include Uasin Gishu, Bungoma, Nakuru, Kericho, Kakamega, Trans-Nzoia, Vihiga, Bomet, Nandi, Meru, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Mombasa, Kwale, Lamu, Nyamira, Embu, Murang'a, Nyeri, and Nyandarua.
In Nairobi, light showers are likely in areas such as Westlands, Dagoretti South and North, Kibra, and Lang'ata. Other parts of the capital will experience intermittent cloudy spells with occasional sunny breaks. Temperatures are expected to reach a maximum of 22°C.
Cool and cloudy weather will also affect counties including Embu, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Meru, Murang'a, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Tharaka-Nithi, Kitui, Machakos, Kajiado, and Makueni.
KMD further issued warnings of strong southerly to southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots (12.5 meters per second) in parts of Marsabit, Isiolo, Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Tana River, Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kitui counties.
El Niño Preparedness Urged for High-Risk Counties
Authorities in counties at high risk of El Niño-related heavy rains have been advised to activate anticipatory measures. These include Homa Bay, Kisumu, and Nakuru, where water levels in lakes such as Victoria, Turkana, Baringo, Bogoria, Elementaita, Naivasha, and Nakuru are rising.
Experts at KMD highlighted the potential for El Niño to intensify rainfall during the October-November-December short rains season, with the possibility of early onset and heavy downpours leading to flash floods.
"The combined effects of a strong El Niño and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole may enhance rainfall, posing risks of flooding and displacement due to lake backflow," said Misiani Zachary, a Disaster Risk Management and Anticipatory Action Expert at KMD.
The department emphasized the importance of preparedness to safeguard lives and property ahead of the expected climatic events.
