Rain Returns To Laikipia As Met Forecasts Cooler Weather, Thunderstorms

By Staff Writer

Rainfall is set to make a widespread return across Laikipia this week, bringing cooler temperatures and afternoon thunderstorms to parts of the county after recent weeks of below-average precipitation, according to the latest Kenya Meteorological Department forecast.

The seven-day forecast, valid from June 23 to June 29, indicates rainfall will be experienced across Laikipia West, Laikipia East and parts of Laikipia North, with cloudy and sunny intervals dominating mornings before giving way to afternoon showers.

The department forecasts cumulative weekly rainfall ranging between 10 and 50 millimetres across the county, with precipitation expected over a few places on Thursday before spreading to several areas on Friday and continuing in scattered locations thereafter.

“The Maximum day time temperatures are expected to reduce due to cloudiness and showery precipitation, ranging between 20–28°C while the Minimum night time temperatures are likely to range 05–16°C,”said David Njiru, County Director Meteorological Services (CDMS), Laikipia County.

The forecast issued on Monday, June 22, shows daytime temperatures will reduce because of increased cloudiness and rainfall, with maximum temperatures expected to range between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius, while minimum night temperatures will vary between five and 16 degrees Celsius.

Residents of Nyahururu, Marmanet and areas adjacent to Mt Kenya have also been advised to prepare for colder nights, with minimum temperatures expected to fall below 10 degrees Celsius during the forecast period.

Detailed forecasts indicate largely sunny conditions on Tuesday and Wednesday before showers begin on Thursday. Friday is expected to experience the widest rainfall coverage, including thunderstorms in parts of Laikipia West and Laikipia North.

Laikipia North is expected to record daytime temperatures of between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius, while Laikipia East will range between 23 and 27 degrees. Laikipia West will remain comparatively cooler, with highs of between 22 and 24 degrees.

“Cloudy/Sunny intervals are likely to prevail over most places in the morning giving way to intermittent showers and thunderstorms over several places in the afternoon,” said Njiru, adding that it’s important to follow up this weekly forecast with the 24hr forecast issued daily by the Kenya Meteorological Department.

The forecast follows a relatively dry week in which only light rainfall was recorded in Kinamba, Lokusero, Dol Dol and a few other areas. Meteorological data also shows precipitation declined across most locations compared with the previous fortnight, although daytime temperatures increased while night temperatures varied from place to place.