Heat wave survival guide: drink water

The meteorological department has issued a warning that various parts of the country, including Nairobi, will experience exceptionally high temperatures this week.

In the latest five-day weekly forecast, the weatherman stated that most counties are anticipated to register elevated average daytime temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius.

The forecast, covering the period from February 20 to February 24, indicates sunny and dry weather prevailing across most regions of the country.

Kenyans are advised to stay well-hydrated and shield themselves from the intense sunlight throughout the week.

“High daytime temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius are expected in various counties, while some parts of certain counties may experience low nighttime temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius,” the weatherman cautioned.

“Stay prepared for fluctuating weather conditions this week.”

Counties affected by the high temperatures include Nairobi, Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Isiolo, Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, Kwale, Taita Taveta, Kajiado, Makueni, Kitui, and Machakos. Others include Kiambu, Embu, Laikipia, Baringo, Elgeyo-Marakwet, West Pokot, Bungoma, Kakamega, Kisumu, Busia, and Narok.

The advisory emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated and protecting oneself from the sun’s rays during hot days while dressing warmly for cooler nights. It encourages people to stay safe and appreciate the diverse weather patterns across Kenya.

This announcement comes amid continued heavy rains causing havoc in parts of western Kenya and the Rift Valley. Recently, two pupils lost their lives after being swept away by floodwater in Eldoret town.

The forecast indicates that areas in the South Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, Highlands East/West of the Rift Valley, Southeastern lowlands, Coast, and Northeastern Kenya may experience light to moderate rainfall.

Northwestern counties like Turkana and Samburu will face exceptionally high daytime temperatures, reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius, with nighttime temperatures expected to drop to between 12 and 16 degrees Celsius.

Northeastern counties of Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Isiolo are predicted to record daytime temperatures of 39 degrees Celsius before dropping to 18 degrees Celsius at night. These areas may experience sunny mornings and partly cloudy nights with showers in a few places.

Temperatures at the Coast are expected to be 35 degrees Celsius during the day, dropping to 24 degrees Celsius at night. Coastal counties, including Mombasa, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale, are forecasted to have sunny intervals in the mornings and afternoons with a chance of showers over a few places at night.

Southeastern lowlands counties of Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, and Taita Taveta will experience temperatures as high as 36 degrees Celsius during the forecast period.

Counties in the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nairobi, are anticipated to record temperatures as high as 31 degrees Celsius during sunny intervals in the morning and afternoon, with partly cloudy nights and a chance of showers over a few places.

Highlands West of the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, and Rift Valley counties will have daytime temperatures reaching as high as 31 degrees Celsius, dropping to 10 degrees at night. Some areas of these counties will experience morning rains and a chance of showers in the afternoon and at night.