The Kenya Meteorological Department in its July weather update says cool and cloudy conditions with occasional light rains are expected in the Central Highlands, the Nairobi area, parts of western Kenya, parts of the Central Rift Valley, and parts of the southeastern lowlands.
Director of Meteorological Service Dr. David Gikungu says some days are expected to be extremely cold and chilly, with daytime temperatures falling below 20°Celsius in various areas due to persistent overcast skies.
“Temperatures are anticipated to be warmer than average across the entire country except over parts of Turkana and West Pokot counties where temperatures are likely to be lower than normal,” says Dr. Gikungu and adds, “Most of the northern sector is likely to experience high temperatures of above 30 degrees Celsius, except for Marsabit and parts of Isiolo counties where temperatures are expected to be moderate.”
He notes that the rest of the country is likely to experience moderate temperatures between 20 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius, “however, the temperatures are expected to be warmer than the July long term mean.”
The Weatherman is warning that fog formation in the areas that are expected to experience cold and cloudy conditions may pose a danger to motorists due to low visibility. “Motorists should be careful while driving in these areas, especially along the Nairobi-Naivasha Highway and particularly on the Kikuyu to Kinungi stretch,” he says. Light rains and drizzles may also result into slippery, hence all road-users are advised to take utmost care so as to minimize accidents.
Dr. Gikungu is also warning that fog may occasionally pose a challenge to operations at the Wilson and Jomo Kenyatta International Airports in Nairobi.
The public is being advised that owing to the cool and chilly conditions, cases of respiratory diseases such as asthma, pneumonia, flu, and the common cold are likely to increase in areas such as Nairobi, the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, parts of the Central and South Rift Valley, and parts of the Highlands West of the Rift Valley.
“To avoid contracting diseases, the general public is advised to dress warmly and to follow the advice of the Ministry of Health,” says Dr. Gikungu and adds, “the public must avoid using charcoal jikos in poorly ventilated homes because they emit carbon monoxide gas, which is life threatening if inhaled.”
The cold season could also see reduced access to water in the Arid and Semi Arid Lands due to the dry conditions, “Residents are advised to use the available water sparingly and embrace water conservation practices to ensure their water needs are met during the month.”
The coastal region is expected to receive near-normal rainfall. Highlands west of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, parts of the Highlands east of the Rift Valley, including Nyandarua, western parts of Laikipia, and parts of northwestern Kenya are likely to experience near- to above-normal cumulative rainfall.
This rainfall may occasionally extend eastwards into other areas of the Highlands east of the Rift Valley and Nairobi County. The northeastern and southeastern lowlands are, in the same period, expected to remain generally dry and sunny.
