The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has clarified that Nairobi will not experience the historic freezing temperatures that were mistakenly forecast earlier this week.
On May 26, the department’s five-day forecast erroneously indicated a minimum temperature of 1°C for Nairobi and the Highlands East of the Rift Valley on Thursday, May 29, 2025, sparking widespread concern among residents.
In a statement posted on its official X account, the department apologised for the error:
“In the 5-day forecast issued on 26 May 2025, the Kenya Meteorological Department erroneously indicated a minimum temperature of 1°C for the Highlands East of the Rift Valley (including Nairobi) on Thursday, 29 May. The correct minimum temperature should have been 10°C. We regret any inconvenience this may have caused and appreciate the public’s understanding.”
The department further clarified the expected temperature range:
“According to our latest forecast, early morning and night-time temperatures in Nairobi and surrounding areas are expected to range between 12°C and 16°C.”
It added that cooler temperatures between 5°C and 8°C are typical only in higher-altitude areas such as Nyahururu, which normally experience lower temperatures during this season.
“Lower temperatures between 5°C and 8°C are only expected in higher-altitude areas such as Nyahururu, which are typically cooler during this season.”
The meteorological service also reassured the public that while chilly mornings and fog are normal during this time of year, no winter-like conditions are forecast for Nairobi.
“While chilly mornings and fog are normal for this time of year, no winter-like conditions are forecast for Nairobi at this time.”
The erroneous 1°C forecast had raised fears that Nairobi could record its lowest temperature in modern history, surpassing the current record low of 2.8°C measured at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport weather station in July 2002.
For accurate weather updates, the Kenya Meteorological Department encourages the public to consult its official platforms:
5-Day Forecast: https://meteo.go.ke/forecast/5-days-forecast
Website: https://meteo.go.ke
WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaKL444FMqreWDdAch2n
FASTA-Ken Tracker: https://tinyurl.com/FASTAweather
The department thanked the public for staying informed and understanding the correction.
Martin Oduor
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