Heavy Rains and Cooler Temperatures Forecast for Western and Central Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya — 2025-09-09 09:30 EAT. The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has issued a five-day forecast warning of heavier rains in western and central Kenya, with temperatures dropping to 7 °C in some highland areas. Northern and northeastern counties will remain hot and dry, while the coast will see mostly sunny skies with scattered showers.

The Latest

• What happened now: KMD forecasts rainfall from September 9–13 across Rift Valley Highlands, Lake Victoria Basin, Nairobi, Kiambu, and surrounding counties. Afternoon showers and evening thunderstorms expected in western Kenya.

• Why it matters: Farmers, travelers, and county emergency agencies are urged to prepare for wet conditions and possible localized flooding.

• Status: Active weather advisory in force through 2025-09-13.

Context in Brief

• Kenya often experiences short rainy spells in September ahead of the main “short rains” season in October–December.

• Previous advisories this year noted below-average rains in northern Kenya and drought conditions in Garissa and Turkana.

Law, Policy, and Process

• Relevant agencies: KMD under the Ministry of Environment and Forestry issues forecasts and advisories.

• Mandates: County governments handle local disaster preparedness, while the National Disaster Operations Centre coordinates responses to severe weather.

• Next steps: Local disaster committees expected to brief farmers and road users by September 10.

Voices and Stakeholders

• KMD: “Farmers in western Kenya should harvest mature crops early to avoid post-harvest losses due to heavy rains,” said KMD Director David Gikungu, 2025-09-09 advisory.

• County governments: Kiambu and Kisumu county officials announced temporary road safety patrols in flood-prone areas.

• Farmers’ associations: Urged for early access to weather data to reduce losses.

Evidence & Data Box

• Temperatures: Highlands nighttime lows to 7 °C; Nairobi lows 13–15 °C; Coastal highs 30–32 °C.

• Rainfall intensity: 20–50 mm in 24 hours in western Kenya hotspots (Busia, Siaya, Kisumu).

• Verification: Data from KMD 7-day forecast bulletin, weather radar, and ground stations.

Risks and Implications

• Security/Economy: Flooding may disrupt rural roads and markets in western Kenya.

• Agriculture: Maize harvesting in Uasin Gishu and Trans-Nzoia counties may be delayed by heavy rains.

• Health: Standing water could trigger malaria and cholera risks in low-lying areas.

What We Don’t Know Yet

• Will rainfall exceed flood thresholds in Kisumu and Budalang’i areas?

• How will temperatures affect wheat harvesting in Narok?

• Will power outages occur in storm-affected regions?

Timeline

• 2025-09-09: Advisory issued by KMD for September 9–13 period.

• 2025-09-10–13: Peak rainfall days in western Kenya; daily monitoring continues.

• 2025-09-14: KMD to issue next five-day forecast.

What to Watch

• Next update: September 14 forecast bulletin.

• Signals: Satellite rainfall images; county flood alerts; road closure notices.

Editor’s note: Farmers should liaise with local agricultural officers for updated advisories.

Corrections: None so far.