Strong Winds and Dry Conditions to Hit Turkana County as Weather Divide Emerges Across Kenya
Turkana, 15 March 2026
Whilst much of Kenya prepares for rainfall and thunderstorms, Turkana County faces continued dry conditions with strong southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots expected on Monday. The stark weather divide particularly affects refugee camps around Kakuma and Kalobeyei, where arid conditions impact water availability and living standards for vulnerable populations.
Weather Forecast Details for Monday
The Kenya Meteorological Department issued its forecast valid from 21:00 on Sunday, 15 March 2026, to 21:00 on Monday, 16 March 2026 [1]. The forecast indicates strong southeasterly winds above 25 knots (12.86 metres per second) are expected in Turkana and Marsabit counties on Monday, 16 March 2026 [1]. Whilst these northern counties face challenging wind conditions, the meteorological department predicts sunny intervals across most of Kenya, with rainfall expected over the highlands east and west of the Rift Valley, southeastern lowlands, and coastal regions on Monday [1].
Regional Weather Contrasts
The weather patterns create a stark divide across Kenya’s regions. In Turkana and Samburu counties, partly cloudy conditions are expected during Sunday evening [1], contrasting sharply with other areas experiencing more favourable conditions. Counties including Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Kiambu, Tharaka Nithi, Laikipia, Nyandarua, and Nairobi are forecast to experience partly cloudy conditions tonight [1]. Meanwhile, the highlands west of the Rift Valley, including counties such as Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma, Kisumu, and others, alongside coastal areas including Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Tana River, and Lamu counties, are predicted to experience showers and thunderstorms during the night of 15 March 2026 [1].
Impact on Refugee Communities
The dry conditions and strong winds in Turkana County carry particular significance for the refugee communities housed in camps around Kakuma and Kalobeyei [GPT]. These arid conditions directly impact water availability, a critical resource for the thousands of refugees and asylum seekers in the region [GPT]. The forecasted winds exceeding 25 knots could exacerbate dust levels and create additional challenges for outdoor activities and general living conditions within the camps [GPT]. Both refugee and host communities in Turkana County must prepare for the continuation of these challenging weather patterns, which affect agricultural activities and water supply management across the region [GPT].
Broader Weather Context
The meteorological patterns affecting Turkana form part of Kenya’s broader weather system, where different regions experience contrasting conditions simultaneously [1]. Counties in the northern and northeastern regions, including Marsabit, Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, and Isiolo, are expected to experience partly cloudy conditions during Sunday evening, with sunny intervals predicted for Monday, 16 March 2026 [1]. This weather divide underscores the varied climatic challenges facing different parts of Kenya, with northern counties like Turkana bearing the burden of continued dry conditions whilst other regions prepare for beneficial rainfall [1].