Met: Heavy rains to continue in several regions until mid-May

Kenyans during the recent rains in Nairobi/FILE

The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast continued rainfall across several parts of the country, with heavy downpours expected in some regions during the first half of the forecast period.

According to the latest weather outlook, rainfall is expected to persist in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, parts of the Coast region and Northwestern Kenya.

The department warned that some areas within the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin and the Rift Valley could experience heavy rainfall events over the coming days.

However, the intensity of the rains is expected to reduce from May 15, 2026.

The forecast comes amid ongoing heavy rains that have affected several parts of the country in recent weeks, raising concerns over flooding, poor visibility on roads and possible landslides in vulnerable areas.

Authorities have urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and observe safety precautions during the rainy period.

Residents were advised against walking or driving through moving water due to the risk of drowning or vehicles being swept away by strong currents.

The Meteorological Department also cautioned people against sheltering under trees or near grilled windows during thunderstorms because of the danger posed by lightning strikes and strong winds.

People living in landslide-prone and low-lying areas have been further advised to exercise caution as heavy rains continue.

Motorists have also been urged to drive carefully during heavy rains due to reduced visibility and slippery roads.

Acting director of the Kenya Meteorological Department Edward Muriuki said the rains would likely continue during the first half of May in many regions but would weaken in the second half.

He added that this is normal because May traditionally marks the end of the long rains season in most parts of Kenya.

“The outlook for May indicates that the second half of the month is likely to be drier than average, implying the cessation of the March-April-May 2026 rainfall season over much of the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, the Southeastern Lowlands and Northeastern Kenya,” he said in a statement.

“The ‘Long Rains’ end in May because the main rain-producing zone near the equator, the Intertropical Convergence Zone, shifts northwards as the sun moves into the Northern Hemisphere. This shift reduces moisture convergence over Kenya, weakening rainfall systems and allowing drier conditions to set in,” he added.