Dry condition dur to dry and sunny weather/FILE
The Kenya Meteorological Department
has told Kenyans to brace for sunny and dry conditions across most parts of the country in a weather forecast for the week of January 13 to January 19, 2026.
According to the forecast, residents
in several regions can expect clear skies and dry weather for the majority of
the week.
However, occasional rainfall is
likely in a few areas, particularly the Highlands east and west of the Rift
Valley, the Rift Valley itself, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Coastal region, and
the southeastern lowlands.
“Daytime temperatures are expected
to rise above 30°C in the Coast, North-eastern, and North-western Kenya. Parts
of the South-eastern lowlands, the Rift Valley, and Western Kenya will also
experience hot conditions,” the department noted.
In contrast, cooler nights are
expected in some parts of the country, with minimum temperatures dropping below
10°C.
This is particularly likely in the
Central Highlands, the North and Central Rift Valley, Western Kenya, and areas
near Mount Kilimanjaro.
The meteorological department also
released a broader January 2026 climate outlook.
It indicates that most regions will
continue to experience sunny and dry conditions throughout the month.
Nevertheless, occasional rainfall
may occur in western Kenya, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Southern Rift Valley,
parts of the Highlands east and west of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi County,
the southeastern lowlands, and southern coastal areas.
Residents and travelers are advised
to plan their activities accordingly, taking note of the high daytime
temperatures in the hotter regions and the cooler nights in elevated areas.
Farmers, particularly in areas
expecting rain, are encouraged to prepare for localized showers that may affect
agricultural activities.
The Kenya Meteorological Department
urged the public to stay updated on weather alerts and advisories, particularly
for regions prone to sudden rainfall or temperature fluctuations.
The agency also called on national and county authorities, as well as
humanitarian agencies, to take early action to avert potential loss of lives
and livelihoods.
In its latest outlook, the agency cautioned that the prolonged dryness is
likely to worsen food insecurity as the availability of food, water and pasture
continues to decline.
“The current dry conditions being experienced over the northern and parts of
the eastern sectors of the country are expected to exacerbate. The limited
pasture and water over the ASAL areas may lead to resource-based conflicts
among pastoral and farming communities,” the department said.
According to the weatherman, the situation could also trigger an increase in
malnutrition-related diseases, especially in northern Kenya, where vulnerable
populations are already under strain.
Kenya Met advised that contingency plans be put in place to ensure the
timely provision of food and nutritional supplements to the most at-risk
communities.
The department further warned that the extended dry spell may result in reduced
water levels in reservoirs, lakes and ponds.
This, it said, could create favourable conditions for wildfires in forests,
national parks and reserves, posing an additional threat to ecosystems and
nearby communities.
To
mitigate this risk, authorities have been urged to provide fodder and establish
watering points for wildlife to reduce competition with local communities.
Additionally, Kenya Met cautioned that high temperatures could lead to heat
stress and related discomforts such as headaches and fatigue.
Members of the public have been advised to stay well hydrated, limit
exposure to direct sunlight and avoid strenuous outdoor activities,
particularly in the afternoons.