Kenya Meteorological Department Forecasts Sustained Rainfall & Thunderstorms Across the Country

The Kenya Meteorological Department (MET) has issued a nationwide advisory, urging citizens to brace for a five-day period of continuous rainfall and unpredictable weather patterns. The forecast, which covers Tuesday, February 24, through Saturday, February 28, 2026, indicates that a significant portion of the country will experience heavy downpours, frequent thunderstorms, and a notable dip in temperatures. Major urban hubs and transit corridors, including Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Mombasa, Kisumu, Turkana, Kericho, and Marsabit, are expected to be the most affected as the week progresses.

According to the weatherman, the Central Highlands—encompassing Nairobi, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi—will experience consistent showers accompanied by thunderstorms. In these high-altitude regions, temperatures are expected to fluctuate between a daytime high of 29°C and a chilly nighttime low of 10°C. Similarly, the South Eastern Lowlands, including Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, and Taita Taveta, alongside the inland sections of Tana River County, will face stormy conditions throughout the forecasted period, with maximum temperatures reaching 34°C and minimums dropping to 15°C.

The Western region and Rift Valley are also set for a wet week, with 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 counties anticipating prevailing rains and thunder. In these areas, the MET department predicts maximum temperatures of 30°C and minimums of 12°C. Meanwhile, the Coastal strip—comprising Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, and the coastal fringes of Tana River—will see consistent showers over the next week, with daytime highs averaging 33°C and nighttime lows staying around 22°C.

As the rains intensify, the department has cautioned motorists and pedestrians to be vigilant against reduced visibility and slippery roads, particularly during the evening hours when thunderstorms are most likely to peak. This five-day weather outlook suggests a reprieve from the recent heatwaves, but it also brings the risk of lightning strikes in thunderstorm-prone regions. Residents are encouraged to stay updated on local weather alerts and take necessary precautions to safeguard their property and well-being.