Mombasa residents complain of ‘unbearable’ heat in March

“It’s a bit different today, a little cool with signs of clouds and rain. I just hope it rains,” Moses Ochudha on Thursday told Wananchi Reporting from Mombasa.

The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) have in the past attributed the hot Mombasa weather to the sun when it is directly above the equator in March and September.

In a message on X, posted on March 11, regarding the weather outlook for 12-18 March 2024, KMD notes that: “Sunny and Dry Conditions: Most parts of the country can expect predominantly sunny and dry weather during this period. However, some areas may experience light to moderate rainfall.

Past reports indicate that temperatures in Mombasa have hit up to 35 degrees.    

Some of the residents said that although temperatures in the coastal region are traditionally known to be high – the last few days have brought a different dose of the heat – making life at night and during the day nearly unbearable.

“Sleeping is not easy, neither is staying awake because it’s very hot. Our young children cannot sleep because it is too hot,” said Ochudha.

“My whole family have developed rashes on the skin due to the heat, and it’s almost everywhere out there. It’s worse for those who have to spend long hours in the sun hustling,” he says.

Many people, especially in the villages, are forced to spend long hours under the trees to escape the unforgiving sun.

Residents have in the past been advised to limit exposure to the sun as it could lead to heat stroke. Also, they have been advised to avoid alcohol as it dehydrates the body, stay in cool places; under the shed, drink a lot of water and avoid warm clothes.