Kenya Braces for Week of Weather Extremes: Scorching Days and Chilly Nights Ahead

Kenyans will need to prepare for a week of stark weather contrasts, with blazing sunshine and high daytime temperatures giving way to surprisingly cold nights in several regions, according to the latest forecast from the Kenya Meteorological Department.

The weekly outlook for February 10-16 predicts that much of the country will experience predominantly sunny and dry conditions. However, this general dryness comes with significant regional exceptions and dramatic temperature swings.

Heatwave in the North, Cold Snaps in the Highlands

The forecast highlights a sharp divide. Daytime temperatures are expected to soar above 30°C in the Coast, South-eastern Lowlands, North-eastern, and North-western regions. The north-western area, in particular, is still reeling from recent extremes, with Lodwar having recorded a scorching 38.2°C just last week.

In stark contrast, residents in high-altitude areas are being advised to bundle up after dark. The Met Department warns of night-time temperatures plunging below 10°C in parts of the Central Highlands, the Central Rift Valley, Western Kenya, and areas near Mount Kilimanjaro. This follows last week’s chill, which saw Nyahururu shiver at a low of 6.4°C.

“These conditions could significantly impact outdoor activities and increase discomfort in the hot zones, while the cold nights may affect vulnerable groups like children and the elderly in the highlands,” the department noted.

Isolated Rains to Break the Dry Spell

Despite the overarching dry theme, the forecast isn’t entirely devoid of rain. The Central Highlands, Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, South-eastern Lowlands, and parts of Western Kenya are likely to see some rainfall during the week, continuing a pattern from the previous seven days.

Last week, these regions experienced isolated showers, with the Lake Victoria Basin seeing a “slight increase” in rainfall. The most dramatic single downpour was recorded at Suba Meteorological Station in Homabay County, which received 48.2mm of rain in 24 hours.

A Nation of Contrasts

This week’s weather pattern underscores Kenya’s diverse climatic landscape. The nation finds itself juggling concerns on multiple fronts: from managing the risks of heat in arid and low-lying areas to protecting communities from the cold in the highlands, all while monitoring beneficial rains for agriculture in key regions.

The mixed forecast comes as the government concurrently addresses a severe drought crisis, having recently released emergency funds for an estimated 3.3 million affected people—a reminder of the delicate and often precarious balance of weather patterns across the country.