Met warns of heightened health and road risks as cold weather peaks

Kenyans have been advised to brace for chilly weather this month, with the Met warning of increased health risks and potential road hazards.

This is due to fog and slippery conditions, especially in Nairobi and the highlands east of the Rift Valley.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has urged Kenyans to dress warmly and take extra precautions as the July cold peaks in many parts of the country.

Director of Meteorological Services David Gikungu said the chillier conditions, especially over Nairobi and the highlands east of the Rift Valley, could lead to a rise in respiratory illnesses such as asthma, pneumonia, flu and common cold.

“Members of the public are advised to dress warmly and follow the Ministry of Health guidelines to avoid contracting cold-related illnesses,” he said.

Gikungu cautioned against using charcoal jikos in poorly ventilated spaces as they emit carbon monoxide, a life-threatening gas when inhaled in high concentrations.

In addition to health concerns, the department warned motorists to be vigilant due to fog and mist that may reduce visibility on major roads such as the Nairobi–Naivasha highway, especially the Kikuyu–Kinungi stretch.

“Light rains and drizzles may also cause slippery roads, increasing the risk of accidents,” Gikungu added.

He said air travel operations at Wilson Airport and the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport may also face occasional disruptions due to low visibility caused by fog.

According to the July forecast, the highlands west of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley itself, the Lake Victoria Basin, western Laikipia and parts of northwestern Kenya are expected to receive near-to-above-normal cumulative rainfall.

Rainfall could occasionally spread eastwards into the highlands east of the Rift Valley and Nairobi county. Meanwhile, the northeastern and southeastern lowlands will largely remain dry and sunny.

The forecast noted that cool and cloudy conditions, with intermittent light rain will persist in the Central highlands, Nairobi, parts of western Kenya, the Central Rift, and parts of the southeastern lowlands. Afternoon showers from western Kenya may occasionally reach Nairobi and central regions.

The forecast showed Nairobi, Nyandarua, Kiambu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Meru, Embu and Tharaka Nithi will experience overcast skies, occasional light morning rains and some extremely cold days with temperatures falling below 20°C.

Western and Rift Valley counties of Kisii, Nakuru, Kericho, Bomet, Uasin Gishu and West Pokot will receive near- to above-average rainfall with breaks in between, while Turkana and Samburu will experience mostly sunny and dry, with occasional showers in isolated areas.

Coastal counties of Mombasa, Lamu, Kilifi, Kwale and Tana River will experience occasional rainfall, near the long-term average for July.

Mandera, Wajir, Marsabit, Garissa and Isiolo are expected to remain sunny and dry, though fog and cloudiness may occur in some high-altitude parts of Marsabit.

Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado and Taita Taveta counties will be predominantly dry, though areas bordering Nairobi and Central highlands may experience cloudy conditions with light rains.