Expect heavy to very heavy rainfall in Nairobi today - Met Department

The Kenya Meteorological Services has warned Nairobi County residents of the possibility of experiencing intensified rainfall on Friday.

In a statement, the weatherman predicted that further to the forecast indicating heavy rainfall on Friday, the rains are likely to be heavier than expected in the country's capital.

"Attention Nairobi Metropolitan Residents! Prepare for heavy to very heavy rainfall this Friday," the Met. Department stated.

The announcement comes even as the Met Department issued a continued heavy rainfall and strong winds advisory on Thursday which it said would continue through to Monday next week.

Met. Department Director Dr David Gikungu, cautioned of intensified high rainfall which may be accompanied by floods in the Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley including Nairobi and Southeastern lowlands among other areas in 41 counties.

“Heavy rainfall of more than 40mm in 24hrs pounding several parts of the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley including Nairobi area and Southeastern lowlands is likely to continue from Thursday 2-5 May 2024,” stated Dr Gikungu.

Counties set to be affected by the heavy rains include; Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Narok, Baringo, Nakuru, TransNzoia, Uasin-Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, West-Pokot, Kisumu, Homabay, Siaya, Migori, Busia, Kisii, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri and Kirinyaga.

Others are Murang'a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, Nairobi, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Isiolo counties.

Earlier this week, Dr Gikungu had also cautioned of particularly heavy rainfall on Thursday and Friday, saying the rains might be followed by flash floods.