Kenya Weather Alert: Widespread Rainfall Expected Until 25 May Across Multiple Counties
Nairobi, 18 May 2026
Kenya’s Meteorological Department forecasts continued rainfall across major regions including Nairobi, highlands, and coastal areas until 25 May 2026. The weather pattern will bring afternoon thunderstorms and morning showers to counties spanning from Lake Victoria Basin to the Rift Valley. Residents face potential flooding risks, with authorities advising against driving through moving water and sheltering under trees during storms.
Regional Weather Patterns and Timing
The Kenya Meteorological Department’s seven-day forecast, released on 18 May 2026, indicates that rainfall will persist mainly in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the South Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Coast, and select areas of the Southeastern Lowlands and Northeastern Kenya [1]. Counties east of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Embu, Meru, Laikipia, and Tharaka-Nithi, are expected to continue receiving intermittent rainfall throughout the coming days [2]. The western regions, encompassing Kericho, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Narok, Kisii, Nyamira, Bungoma, Kakamega, Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, and Elgeyo Marakwet, are also set for continued downpours this week [2].
Daily Weather Patterns Across Kenya
In the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, and the Rift Valley, residents should expect sunny intervals in the morning, followed by rainfall activity in the afternoon and evening [1]. Afternoon showers and thunderstorms are expected over a few places occasionally spreading to several places, with nights expected to be partly cloudy, though isolated showers may still occur in some areas [1][3]. The Highlands East of the Rift Valley will experience cloudy mornings breaking into sunny intervals, with afternoon showers expected over a few places and nights remaining partly cloudy with occasional showers [1][3]. Northwestern Kenya, including Turkana County, will generally experience dry conditions during the day with sunny intervals and partly cloudy nights, though isolated morning rains may still be experienced in a few locations [1][3].
Coastal and Lowland Regions Weather Outlook
Along the Coast, including Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, and Tana River counties, residents should expect sunny intervals during the day and partly cloudy nights, with morning and night showers likely in some places [1][2]. The South-eastern Lowlands, covering counties like Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, and Taita Taveta, are expected to remain generally warm and sunny during the day with partly cloudy nights, though isolated afternoon showers may occur [1][2]. Northeastern Kenya, encompassing regions such as Wajir, Mandera, and Garissa, will largely experience sunny intervals and dry daytime conditions, though some locations may record brief morning showers before skies gradually clear as the day progresses [2].
Safety Warnings and Precautionary Measures
The Meteorological Department has advised residents in affected regions to remain alert for localised heavy rainfall, particularly in areas prone to flooding, waterlogging, and thunderstorms [1]. Strong winds exceeding 12.5 metres per second are expected in parts of Turkana, Marsabit, Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Isiolo, Makueni, and Kitui counties, as well as along the entire coastal strip [7]. Authorities have urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and observe safety precautions during the rainy period, with residents advised against walking or driving through moving water due to the risk of drowning or vehicles being swept away by strong currents [1][7]. The Meteorological Department has also cautioned people against sheltering under trees or near grilled windows during thunderstorms because of the danger posed by lightning strikes and strong winds [1][7]. The forecast comes amid ongoing heavy rains that have affected several parts of the country in recent weeks, raising concerns over flooding, poor visibility on roads, and possible landslides in vulnerable areas [1][7].