Weather warning: Kenya Met predicts rainfall in select counties until August 20

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- The Kenya Meteorological Department released a five-day weather outlook covering August 16 to August 20, 2026

- Counties in the central highlands including Nairobi face cold mornings while northern areas brace for extreme heat of up to 37°C

- Western Kenya and the Lake Victoria basin will experience sunny mornings followed by scattered afternoon showers throughout the period

Nairobi - Kenyans should prepare for contrasting weather conditions over the coming week, with the Kenya Meteorological Department warning of cold mornings in highland areas, intense heat in the north, and afternoon showers in western regions.

The forecast, published on August 14, 2026, covers the five-day period from August 16 to August 20, 2026, and notes that rainfall is expected in few counties, meaning wet conditions will affect fewer than 33% of areas in any given zone.

Cold Mornings Grip Nairobi and Central Highlands

Residents of Nairobi, the Central Highlands, and sections of the Rift Valley face a chilly week ahead. The department predicts intermittent cool and cloudy conditions across Nairobi, Kajiado, Kiambu, Murang'a, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Machakos, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, Meru, and Nakuru counties, with overcast spells coming and going throughout the five days.

Nighttime temperatures in Nairobi and Machakos will fall to 9°C, while daytime highs in the capital are expected to range between 24°C and 27°C.

Nyandarua will experience the coldest conditions, with minimum temperatures dropping to 8°C on August 17 and August 19, 2026, accompanied by light afternoon showers on both days.

Heat Peaks in the North, Showers in Western Kenya

Northern counties will sit at the opposite end of the temperature scale. Mandera and Turkana are forecast to record maximum temperatures of 37°C, while Garissa and Wajir will reach up to 35°C. Both Garissa and Wajir may receive light morning rains on August 17, 2026.

Along the coast, Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, and Lamu will see sunny intervals punctuated by light showers, described by the weather body as gentle rain or drizzle measuring under 5 mm. Taita Taveta is set to remain largely sunny, with daytime highs reaching 32°C.

In western Kenya, the Lake Victoria basin, and parts of the South Rift, mornings will be mostly clear before scattered showers develop in the afternoon.

Kakamega and Vihiga are forecast to receive light afternoon showers every day from August 16 to August 20, 2026, while Nakuru will see moderate showers on August 17, 2026.

The department noted that county-specific forecasts are available from the offices of the respective county directors of meteorological services for residents seeking more localised information.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.