Met warns of heavy rains from today, intensity to rise over the weekend

The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rainfall expected across several parts of the country from Wednesday night through to early next week, with the intensity likely to peak over the weekend.

In an advisory issued on Wednesday evening, the weatherman said rainfall currently being experienced in different regions is set to intensify to more than 20mm within 24 hours between March 19 and March 24.

“The rainfall being experienced over several parts of the country is expected to intensify to more than 20mm in 24 hours from March 19 to March 24, 2026. The intensity is expected to peak between March 20 and 23, 2026, before decreasing in intensity on March 24, 2026,” the advisory reads.

Counties expected to be affected include Turkana, Samburu, Migori, Nyamira, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, West Pokot, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kericho, Bomet, Kiambu, Embu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Laikipia, Tharaka-Nithi and Meru.

Others are Nairobi, Narok, Kajiado, Makueni, Machakos, Taita Taveta, Kitui, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi and Garissa, as well as parts of Marsabit, Isiolo, Wajir, Mandera and Tana River.

According to the advisory, rainfall will persist in multiple regions, including the Lake Victoria Basin, Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley and the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi, despite the predicted reduction in intensity towards the end of the forecast period.

The department has cautioned residents in these areas to remain vigilant, warning of possible floods, flash floods and poor visibility.

“Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential floods, flash floods and poor visibility. Flood waters may appear in places where it has not rained heavily, especially downstream,” Met stated.

Members of the public have also been urged to avoid walking or driving through moving water and to take precautions against lightning.

“People are advised to avoid driving through or walking in moving water or open fields and not to shelter under trees and near grilled windows to minimise exposure to lightning strikes.”

Those living in landslide-prone areas, particularly along the slopes of the Aberdare ranges, Mt. Kenya and other hilly regions, have been asked to exercise heightened caution.