Kenyans should prepare for an unusually dry and warm start to 2025, according to the Kenya Meteorological Department. The forecast, covering the period from December 31, 2024, to January 6, 2025, indicates that most of the country will experience predominantly sunny and dry weather. January, in particular, is expected to bring warmer-than-average temperatures, with a heightened risk of heat stress, headaches, and fatigue.
David Gikungu, Director of Meteorological Services, has advised the public to stay well-hydrated and to minimize outdoor activities, especially during the afternoon hours when temperatures will peak.
The dry conditions will impact various regions, including the Lake Victoria Basin, the western Rift Valley, and parts of the highlands, such as Kisii, Nyamira, and Narok counties. Coastal areas like Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale will also face mostly dry conditions, with only occasional light rainfall expected.
In the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), particularly in the northern regions, water availability is expected to decline, exacerbating existing scarcity issues for both people and livestock. Communities in these areas are advised to conserve water and make use of any occasional rainfall for harvesting purposes.
While most of the country will experience dry weather, some rainfall is expected in a few areas, including the southeastern lowlands, highlands east of the Rift Valley, and the central and southern Rift Valley. The weather patterns are forecast to change gradually, with rainfall likely to increase in some areas by March.
This forecast is based on a neutral phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and average sea surface temperatures in both the Pacific and Indian Oceans.Kenyans are urged to stay informed about weather conditions to minimize the potential impacts on health, agriculture, and water resources throughout the early months of 2025.
