The Kenya Meteorological Department has advised Kenyans to prepare for moderate to heavy rainfall over the next five days, starting Friday, September 5 and continuing until Tuesday, September 9.

In its weekly weather update released on Friday, September 5, the department said the rains would mainly affect the Highlands, both east and west of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Northwest, and the Rift Valley.

Counties likely to be affected include Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, and West Pokot.

The rains are expected to start in the morning but intensify in the afternoon, often accompanied by thunderstorms. Residents in these areas have been cautioned about possible flooding.

The advisory also noted that moderate rains will be experienced in the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, covering Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Nairobi.

Here, showers are expected mainly in the afternoons following cloudy or sunny mornings, with heavier downpours projected on Saturday, September 6.

Meanwhile, the North-Eastern region and South-Eastern lowlands are expected to remain dry throughout the forecast period.

The department further warned of cold nights in Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Nairobi, with nighttime temperatures projected to drop to as low as 5°C.

Further, cold conditions will also be felt in Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, and Vihiga.

Additionally, strong southerly winds exceeding 12.86 metres per second are expected along the Coast, South-Eastern lowlands, North-Eastern, and North-Western Kenya.