Weatherman predicts cloudy skies, sunny intervals for Nairobi residents

Several regions in Kenya will continue bracing for more rain.

Nairobi residents are set for a change in weather this Thursday and Friday after enduring heavy rainfall since March this year.

The Kenya Meteorological Department, on Wednesday, announced a mix of cloudy skies with sunny intervals and light to moderate rains, offering a welcome break from the recent prolonged wet conditions.

Despite the mild weather in Nairobi, several regions in Kenya will continue bracing for more rain. The weatherman warned of isolated heavy showers potentially affecting the North Coast, offshore regions, Western Kenya, Rift Valley, Central Highlands, and the Lake Victoria Basin.

Residents in these areas were urged to stay safe and alert for any updates.

Detailed weather alert 

In its weather outlook from May 7 to 13, as released on Monday evening, the weather department warned of ongoing rainfall in various parts of the country.

The heavy rains were set to continue in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin and the Rift Valley during the first half of the week.

It, however, said the rain intensities across the country would likely reduce during the second half of the week.

In the highlands west of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin and the Rift Valley, morning rains will likely occur over a few places early in the week.

“Afternoon and night showers and thunderstorms are expected over several places during the first half of the forecast period, reducing to a few places thereafter,” Meteorological Services Director David Gikungu said.

Additionally, some areas were expected to experience very cold nights, with temperatures dipping below 10°C, particularly in parts of the Central Highlands.

School reopening 

Meanwhile, President William Ruto directed all basic institutions to reopen for the second term on Monday, May 13.

Ruto said his directive comes amid advice from the Kenya Meteorological Department that schools were now safe to reopen.

“All parents are advised, based on the assessment of the weathermen and the government of Kenya, that it is now safe. Therefore, all schools will be reopened on Monday next week and parents must prepare their children to go to school,” Ruto said at the State House in Nairobi on Wednesday, during a meeting with grassroots leaders from Kajiado and Laikipia counties.

However, the rains have continued to affect Kenyan with the death toll from flood-related incidents having climbed to 257 as of Wednesday, according to Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura.

He noted that 293,661 people have so far been affected by the rains, with 54,837 households displaced and another 188 individuals injured.

61 health facilities in 11 counties have also been affected, and crops on approximately 9,816 acres of land destroyed.