Kenyans should prepare for mostly sunny and dry weather in the coming week, according to the Kenya Meteorological Department, which says high temperatures will be felt in many regions while a few areas may receive light rain.
In its forecast covering January 13 to January 19, 2026, the department said clear skies and dry conditions will dominate across much of the country for most of the week.
Even so, it noted that short periods of rainfall may occur in limited areas, including the Highlands east and west of the Rift Valley, parts of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Coast and the southeastern lowlands.
The department warned that daytime temperatures will be high in several regions.
“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.
While the days will be hot in many areas, cooler nights are expected in some parts of the country. Minimum temperatures are likely to fall below 10°C in the Central Highlands, the North and Central Rift Valley, Western Kenya and areas around Mount Kilimanjaro.
Kenya Met also released its broader climate outlook for January 2026, which shows that dry and sunny weather is likely to persist across most regions throughout the month.
However, it said some areas could still receive occasional rainfall, including western Kenya, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Southern Rift Valley, parts of the Highlands east and west of the Rift Valley, such as Nairobi County, the southeastern lowlands and the southern coastal region.
The department advised residents and travellers to plan their activities with the expected weather conditions in mind, especially in areas facing high daytime temperatures and cold nights. Farmers in regions where rainfall is expected were encouraged to prepare for short and localised showers that may affect farming activities.
Kenya Met urged the public to keep checking weather updates and advisories, especially in regions that experience sudden changes in rainfall or temperature. It also called on national and county governments, as well as humanitarian agencies, to take early action to reduce the risk of loss of lives and livelihoods.
In its outlook, the department warned that the continued dry conditions could worsen food insecurity as food, water and pasture supplies keep declining. “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.
The agency further cautioned that the situation could lead to a rise in malnutrition-related diseases, especially in northern Kenya, where vulnerable groups are already facing pressure. It advised that contingency plans be put in place to allow the timely delivery of food and nutrition support to communities most at risk.
Kenya Met also warned that the prolonged dry spell could lower water levels in reservoirs, lakes and ponds. This, it said, may create conditions that increase the risk of wildfires in forests, national parks and reserves, threatening ecosystems and nearby communities.
To reduce this risk, authorities were urged to provide fodder and set up watering points for wildlife to limit competition with surrounding communities. The department also warned that high temperatures may cause heat stress and related discomfort, such as headaches and fatigue.
Members of the public were advised to drink plenty of water, reduce time spent under direct sunlight and avoid demanding outdoor activities, especially during the afternoon hours.