Heavy downpours anticipated as long rains season begins

The long rains season has officially begun and Kenyans have been advised to stay alert for potentially heavy downpours.

According to the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD), isolated heavy rainfall is expected in various regions, including parts of the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the South-eastern lowlands, and North-eastern Kenya.

KMD Director Dr David Gikungu confirmed that the rainfall recorded between 10th and 16th March 2025 marked the onset of the MAM 2025 season, particularly for the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, Nairobi, and isolated areas over the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, Southeastern lowlands, and parts of Isiolo County.

“Compared to the week of 3rd to 9th March 2025, there was a noticeable increase in rainfall amounts, especially in the Southeastern lowlands and parts of the Northeastern regions,” Dr. Gikungu stated.

However, some regions are yet to experience the onset of the rains. These include the remaining parts of the Highlands East of the Rift Valley and the Southeastern lowlands, where rainfall is expected to begin this week.

The northwestern parts of Kenya and coastal regions are expected to experience occasional rainfall for the remainder of March.

“The onset for the Northeastern region is also expected this week (18-24 March) and next week (25 – 31 March). However, this is likely to be followed by dry spells” he stated.

The onset in the regions is likely to occur in April, with the peak of the season in the coastal region expected to be in May.

Temperatures

Average daytime (maximum) temperatures of more than 30°C will be experienced in the Coast, Northeastern and North-western Kenya.

Average night-time (minimum) temperatures will be less than 10°C in some parts of the Highlands East of the Rift Valley and the Central Rift Valley.