Brace for the Chill: Met Department Warns of Freezing Nights

The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued an advisory warning Kenyans to prepare for significantly colder conditions over the next five days, particularly in Nairobi and the Central Highlands, where nighttime temperatures are expected to drop to as low as 6°C.

In a statement released by the department, Director David Gikungu identified several counties likely to experience extreme cold during the night, including Nairobi, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Laikipia, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, and Tharaka-Nithi.

“These areas are forecast to have minimum temperatures of 6°C. Residents should take necessary measures to stay warm and protect their health,” Gikungu advised.

While the highlands endure freezing nights, the North Eastern region—including Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo—will face extreme daytime heat, with temperatures soaring up to 37°C. Similarly, Turkana and Samburu counties in the northwest are forecast to reach 36°C during the day, before dipping to chilly lows of around 7°C at night.

Counties in the Lake Victoria Basin and parts of the Rift Valley—including Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Kericho, Narok, Nakuru, Kakamega, and Bomet—will also see cold nighttime conditions and mild daytime temperatures averaging 29°C.

Gikungu noted that the country is approaching the peak of its cold season, typically associated with respiratory illnesses and foggy mornings that can affect visibility.

Meanwhile, coastal counties—Mombasa, Kwale, Lamu, Kilifi, and parts of Tana River—are forecast to maintain warmer conditions, with nighttime temperatures of around 21°C and daytime highs near 31°C.

In the southeastern lowlands, which include Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Kajiado, Taita Taveta, and inland parts of Tana River, temperatures are expected to range between 12°C at night and 29°C during the day.

The weather department also forecast scattered rainfall across the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, and northwestern counties including Turkana and Samburu.

“The intensity of rainfall will increase from Sunday, especially in the western and northwestern parts of the country,” Gikungu noted.

Nairobi and surrounding counties are likely to experience light rainfall and mostly cloudy conditions, with occasional sunny breaks. Thunderstorms are expected in parts of the western regions, and strong winds of more than 25 knots are forecast for coastal areas, southeastern lowlands, and the northern and northwestern counties.

Residents are urged to stay informed through official Met Department updates and take necessary precautions during this fluctuating weather period.

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Brace for the Chill: Met Department Warns of Freezing Nights