The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned Kenyans to brace for hot, sunny, and mostly dry weather across large parts of the country this week, as its latest January 13–19, 2026 weather forecast signals rising temperatures and limited rainfall.
According to Kenya Met, most regions will experience clear skies and dry conditions throughout the week, although a few areas may see occasional showers.
These include the Highlands east and west of the Rift Valley, the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Coastal region, and the southeastern lowlands, where intermittent rainfall is expected.
Despite the possibility of showers, temperatures are set to soar in many parts of the country.
“Daytime temperatures are expected to rise above 30°C in the Coast, North-eastern, and North-western Kenya. Parts of the South-eastern lowlands, the Rift Valley, and Western Kenya will also experience hot conditions,” the department noted.
Cold Nights to Hit Highlands and Rift Valley
While daytime heat will dominate, some areas will experience chilly nights, especially in elevated regions.
Kenya Met projects that minimum temperatures will drop below 10°C in the Central Highlands, North and Central Rift Valley, Western Kenya, and areas near Mount Kilimanjaro, bringing sharp temperature contrasts between day and night.
In its broader January 2026 climate outlook, the meteorological department confirmed that sunny and dry conditions will persist across most of Kenya for the rest of the month.
However, occasional rainfall may still affect western Kenya, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Southern Rift Valley, parts of the Highlands east and west of the Rift Valley including Nairobi County, the southeastern lowlands, and southern coastal areas.
Kenya Met urged residents, travelers, and businesses to factor these conditions into their daily plans, especially in regions facing extreme heat during the day and cold temperatures at night.
Farmers Warned as Localised Showers Loom
The department also cautioned farmers to prepare for localized rainfall, which could affect planting, harvesting, and livestock activities in some areas.
Farmers in regions expecting rain should remain alert and adjust their agricultural schedules accordingly.
Kenya Met warned that the prolonged dry spell is already taking a toll on vulnerable regions and could soon worsen the country’s food security situation.
“The current dry conditions being experienced over the northern and parts of the eastern sectors of the country are expected to exacerbate. The limited pasture and water over the ASAL areas may lead to resource-based conflicts among pastoral and farming communities,” the department said.
The agency warned that declining water and pasture levels could trigger tensions between herders and farmers, particularly in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs).
It also flagged the risk of rising malnutrition-related illnesses, especially in northern Kenya, where vulnerable populations already face severe pressure.
Kenya Met urged authorities to activate emergency measures to ensure food aid and nutritional supplements reach at-risk communities on time.
Wildfire Risk Grows as Water Levels Fall
The meteorological department also warned that declining water levels in reservoirs, lakes, and ponds could create favorable conditions for wildfires, especially in forests, national parks, and wildlife reserves.
To reduce the risk, Kenya Met advised authorities to supply fodder and establish watering points for wildlife, helping prevent animals from competing with communities for scarce resources.
Kenyans Urged to Protect Themselves From Heat Stress
With high temperatures expected across many regions, Kenya Met warned of heat stress and related discomforts such as headaches, fatigue, and dehydration.
The department advised the public to drink plenty of water, limit exposure to direct sunlight, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities, particularly during the afternoon hours when temperatures peak.
Kenya Met also urged the public to stay informed through official weather updates and advisories, especially in areas prone to sudden rainfall, extreme heat, or temperature fluctuations.
The agency called on national and county governments, humanitarian agencies, and disaster response teams to take early action to protect lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems as Kenya navigates another challenging dry season.
