Kenya MET sounds the alarm over anticipated intense rain and possible flooding

The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has issued a weather alert warning of intensified rainfall across several regions between 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, and 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 16.

According to the department, many parts of the country will experience rainfall, with heavier downpours expected in the Highlands both west and east of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi, as well as in northeastern Kenya. Strong southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots (12.5 m/s) are also forecast in parts of Turkana and Marsabit counties.

Highlands West of the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin and Rift Valley

Counties such as Nandi, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Siaya, Busia, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans-Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, West Pokot, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori and Narok are expected to receive showers and thunderstorms in several areas overnight.

Morning hours will feature sunny intervals with occasional light rain in parts of the Lake Victoria Basin, before transitioning into widespread afternoon showers and thunderstorms.

Highlands East of the Rift Valley

Areas including Nairobi, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Tharaka Nithi, Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru and Kiambu will experience scattered showers at night.

Light rain may occur in a few areas during the morning, followed by sunny intervals, before showers develop again in multiple locations in the afternoon.

Northwestern Region

Turkana and Samburu counties are expected to remain partly cloudy overnight, with generally sunny conditions during the day.

However, parts of Turkana may experience strong southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots.

Northeastern Region

Counties such as Isiolo, Garissa, Marsabit, Mandera and Wajir are likely to receive showers in a few areas overnight.

Morning conditions will alternate between light rain and sunny intervals, with showers and thunderstorms expected later in the afternoon. Strong winds are also forecast in parts of Marsabit.

Southeastern Lowlands

Makueni, Machakos, Kitui, Kajiado and Taita Taveta will experience isolated showers at night.

Morning rains are expected in areas around Mount Kilimanjaro, followed by sunny breaks, before afternoon showers in a few locations.

Coastal Region

In Tana River, Kilifi, Mombasa, Kwale and Lamu counties, showers are expected in some areas overnight.

Rain may continue into the morning in a few places before giving way to sunny intervals, with additional showers forecast later in the afternoon.

Flood Risk and Evacuation Advisory

In a related development, the Water Resources Authority (WRA) has issued an urgent flood warning for residents living downstream of Nairobi Dam.

The alert follows rising water levels and sustained heavy rainfall, which have raised concerns that the dam’s earthen embankment along the Ngong River in Kibera could fail.

Residents and businesses in low-lying areas have been advised to remain alert and move to safer ground. Areas listed under the evacuation advisory include Kibera, Nyayo Highrise, Dam Estate, Lang’ata, Nairobi West and Madaraka.