Kenyans can anticipate rainfall this week across the Central Highlands, Western Kenya, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the Coast, and the Northeastern region, according to the Kenya Meteorological Department.
In its forecast for October 29 to November 4, the department indicated that the rest of the country will remain mostly sunny and dry. Areas such as the Northeastern, Northwestern, Southeastern lowlands, and much of the country are expected to experience predominantly clear and dry conditions.
The Meteorological Department warned that daytime temperatures could exceed 30°C in the Coast, Northeastern, and Northwestern regions. They advised residents in these areas to stay cool and hydrated.
The forecast also mentioned that nighttime temperatures could fall below 10°C in parts of the Central Highlands and Central Rift Valley.
This update follows the release of a report detailing the impacts of climate change in Kenya. The report noted that heatwaves have become more intense and prolonged, leading to an increase in emergency visits and hospital admissions due to extreme heat.
Furthermore, the department highlighted that under a severe emissions scenario, climate change could expose an additional 75.9 million people to malaria risks in eastern and southern Africa by 2080, along with a 15% decline in wheat yields in Africa by 2050.
The report also acknowledged that climate change has intensified heavy rainfall in the Horn of Africa in 2023, resulting in over 300 deaths and displacing more than a million people. This has led to increased river flows that flood farmland, degrade soil, and decrease agricultural output, impacting food availability.
According to the report, the Great Rift Valley lakes have expanded significantly, with Lake Naivasha growing by 21% and Lake Solai by up to 123%.
The Kenya Meteorological Department emphasized that climate change has heightened the severity of extreme droughts, making them approximately 100 times more likely since 2020. The department called for urgent action, including international climate financing, to support adaptation and low-carbon development, ensuring a sustainable and livable future for the Kenyan population.
