Breaking news Kenya: The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning of heavy rains forecast across multiple regions, with the wet season in Kenya expected to intensify between March 17 and March 23, 2026. According to the latest Kenya weather updates, significant rainfall is anticipated to begin from Thursday, affecting key areas including the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Southeastern Lowlands, and the Coastal region. Authorities urge residents to stay alert as the country prepares for potentially severe weather conditions during this critical period of the wet season.
What Happened
| Event | Heavy rains expected as wet season builds up |
| Date | March 17–23, 2026 |
| Location | Kenya (Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, Southeastern Lowlands, Coastal region) |
| Organization Involved | Kenya Meteorological Department |
| Status | Rainfall forecast issued; intensity expected to increase from Thursday |
| Official Response | Weekly weather outlook and warnings issued by Kenya Meteorological Department |
| Impact | Isolated heavy rainfall events expected in some areas; northeastern and northwestern Kenya likely to remain mostly sunny and dry |
| Additional Details | Daytime temperatures above 30°C expected in coastal, northeastern, and northwestern regions |
The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a weather alert forecasting heavy rains across multiple regions of the country from March 17 to March 23, 2026. According to the department’s latest advisory, the intensity of rainfall is expected to increase starting Thursday, with several areas set to experience significant downpours as the wet season builds up.
The regions highlighted in the forecast include the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the Southeastern Lowlands, and the Coastal region. The department cautioned that within these areas, some locations may face isolated heavy rainfall events during the period. While the bulk of the country is expected to receive rainfall, the forecast notes that northeastern and northwestern Kenya are likely to remain mostly sunny and dry, though occasional showers cannot be ruled out. The weather outlook also mentioned that daytime temperatures above 30°C are anticipated in parts of the coastal, northeastern, and northwestern regions.
Background Information
Kenya’s wet season typically begins in March and extends through May, marking a period of increased rainfall across much of the country. Historically, the March–May long rains are a critical component of Kenya’s climate, replenishing water sources and supporting agricultural activities. During this season, the country often experiences a shift from dry, hot conditions to wetter, cooler weather, particularly in the central highlands, western regions, and along the coast.
Previous years have seen episodes of heavy rainfall in March, sometimes resulting in localized flooding, landslides, and disruptions to transport and daily life. These intense downpours are not uncommon as the wet season builds up, with rainfall patterns often influenced by broader climate trends such as the Indian Ocean Dipole and El Niño or La Niña events. While the rains are vital for crop growth and water supply, they can also pose risks to vulnerable communities, especially in areas with poor drainage or steep terrain. Over recent decades, climate variability has contributed to unpredictable rainfall patterns, occasionally leading to either prolonged dry spells or sudden, intense storms during the wet season.
Key Players Involved
The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) is at the forefront of monitoring and forecasting the anticipated heavy rains across the country. As the national authority on weather and climate, KMD plays a critical role in issuing timely rainfall alerts and providing up-to-date Kenya weather updates to the public and relevant stakeholders. The department’s forecasts are disseminated through official channels, including their X (formerly Twitter) account, ensuring that both citizens and local authorities receive accurate information regarding the wet season Kenya is entering.
Key figures within the department, such as the Director of Meteorological Services and designated spokespersons, are responsible for communicating the heavy rains forecast and any rainfall alert to the public. In addition to KMD, government agencies involved in disaster preparedness and response—including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and county-level emergency teams—are closely coordinating efforts to monitor weather patterns and prepare for potential impacts. Local authorities in regions expected to be affected are also engaged in ongoing weather monitoring, working in tandem with national agencies to ensure communities remain informed and ready for any developments. These coordinated efforts are essential in managing the risks associated with the approaching wet season and safeguarding the well-being of Kenyans.
Impact and Consequences
With the Kenya Meteorological Department forecasting heavy rains across five major regions beginning Thursday, communities in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the Southeastern Lowlands, and the Coastal region are bracing for significant impacts. Residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas face heightened risks of flooding and possible displacement, as the wet season intensifies. In recent years, such rainfall patterns have led to disruptions in transportation networks, with roads becoming impassable and public transport services experiencing delays or cancellations.
Agricultural activities are also likely to be affected, as excessive rainfall can damage crops, hinder harvesting, and lead to soil erosion. Infrastructure, including bridges and drainage systems, may be put under strain, increasing the likelihood of localized flooding in urban centers such as Nairobi and Mombasa. The risk of landslides is elevated in hilly regions, potentially threatening homes and livelihoods. As the rainfall alert remains in effect, communities are urged to remain vigilant for any signs of waterlogging or structural damage, particularly in areas with a history of weather-related incidents.
Official Response
In response to the latest weather forecast, the Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a public advisory urging residents in the affected regions to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. The department emphasized the importance of adhering to safety guidelines, particularly for those living in areas prone to flooding and landslides. Government agencies have been placed on high alert, with county disaster management teams instructed to prepare for possible emergencies and coordinate with local authorities to ensure rapid response in case of severe weather events.
The Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government has called on the public to avoid crossing flooded roads and to seek shelter during periods of intense rainfall. Emergency services, including the Kenya Red Cross and local rescue units, have been mobilized to stand by for potential rescue operations. The authorities have also advised farmers and transport operators to monitor weather updates closely and adjust their activities accordingly to minimize risks associated with the heavy rains. The Kenya Meteorological Department continues to provide regular Kenya weather updates and encourages citizens to follow official channels for the latest information and rainfall alerts.
Current Status
As of Tuesday, rainfall levels have continued to rise across several key regions in Kenya, with the Kenya Meteorological Department confirming that the wet season is gaining momentum. Heavy downpours have already been reported in parts of Nairobi and the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, signaling the start of a more intense rainfall phase expected to build up from Thursday. The Lake Victoria Basin, Southeastern Lowlands, and Coastal region are also experiencing increased precipitation, with residents in these areas noting more frequent and heavier showers compared to previous weeks.
Current weather conditions indicate a shift towards wetter patterns, with cloud cover and intermittent storms becoming more common in the affected regions. Local authorities and emergency teams are actively monitoring rainfall levels and have begun deploying resources to areas prone to flooding. In the northeastern and northwestern parts of the country, conditions remain mostly sunny and dry, though isolated showers have been observed in some locations. The public is being urged to remain vigilant as the situation develops, with ongoing updates expected as the forecast evolves.
Source: [The Star, Kenya](https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2026-03-17-met-brace-for-heavier-downpour-from-thursday)
