Weatherman warns Kenyans to brace for 3 very cold months.

Fog engulf Kinungi area along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway.

The Kenya Metrological Department is warning Kenyans to brace for very cold weather across the country for the next three months.

Director Peter Ambenje, in a statement to the press yesterday said that the cold season would mostly affect Nairobi, central and parts of western Kenya, and Rift Valley, adding that temperatures in Central and Nairobi would fall below 18°C.

The weatherman pointed out that some days may turn out to be very cold and chilly as a result of prolonged hours of overcast skies.

“The March-April-May 2018 seasonal rainfall has ceased over most parts of the country except the Western region and the coastal strip. This has paved way for the usually cold June-July-August season. This will be more so in the Central Highlands including Nairobi where cold and cloudy conditions with occasional light rains will occur more often,” he stated.

Ambenje said northern parts of the country and parts of Western Kenya are likely to have near- average temperatures.

Kiambu, Nyeri, Embu, Meru, Murang’a and Kirinyaga are likely to experience long periods of cool or cold and cloudy conditions, with occasional morning light rains or drizzles. The same will be experienced in Nairobi's Dagoretti, Kabete, Wilson Airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Eastleigh.

“This is a cold season. These are the kinds of conditions we expect. We are coming out of a fairly wet and slightly warm season,” he said.

In the coastal region covering counties of Mombasa, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu and Kwale, the temperatures will also be at lows of 19°C and highs of 30°C with showers over few places expected. 

Poor visibility resulting from foggy conditions is likely to pose danger to motorists and pedestrians on the Nairobi-Naivasha road, especially along the Kikuyu-Kinungi stretch. 

“Everyone should, therefore, take utmost care to minimise accidents that may result from such weather conditions,” Ambenje said.

Landing and takeoff at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport may occasionally be disrupted by fog. Some flights might be diverted to other airports.

The cold season usually begins in June and ends in August. Cloudy and drizzly conditions in the Central Highlands are favourable for maturing of the crops planted during the March-May season.

Ambenje however warned of more cases of respiratory ailments, such as the common cold, flu, asthma and pneumonia.

“The general public especially the young and elderly are advised to keep warm. On chilly days, people should avoid lighting jikos in poorly ventilated houses with all the windows closed. Burning charcoal produces carbon monoxide gas that can kill if inhaled in substantial quantities,” he added.