Nairobians are trading their signature jackets for umbrellas and water bottles this week as the capital swelters under a heatwave that has seen daytime temperatures flirt with the 30°C mark. The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a cautionary advisory, warning that the "dangerous afternoon heat" is set to persist.

The uncharacteristically high temperatures, driven by clear skies and direct solar insolation, have turned the concrete jungle into a heat trap. Health experts are now raising the red flag over a spike in heat-related ailments, particularly among children and the elderly, as dehydration cases rise in city clinics.

Surviving the Furnace

"This is not just 'January weather'; this is a health risk," warned Dr. Evans Amukoye, a public health specialist. "We are seeing people collapsing in matatus and heavy traffic due to heat exhaustion."

To navigate the dry spell, experts recommend a shift in lifestyle:

• Hydrate or Migrate: The golden rule is to drink water before you feel thirsty. Avoid sugary sodas and alcohol, which accelerate dehydration.
• Dress Code: Ditch the heavy suits and synthetic fabrics. Loose-fitting, light-colored cotton clothes are the only armor against the sun.
• The "Shadow Rule": If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun is at its peak intensity (usually between 11 AM and 3 PM). Seek shade immediately.

The Climate Context

Meteorologists attribute the scorching conditions to a prolonged dry spell affecting the Horn of Africa. While January is traditionally hot, the intensity of this year’s heat is a stark reminder of changing climate patterns. For the city dweller, the advice is simple: stay cool, stay covered, and keep a bottle of water within arm's reach.