Kenya Met forecasts mixed April weather as floods persist
By Kenneth Mwenda, April 2, 2026Kenya’s Meteorological Department has warned of mixed weather conditions in April, with some regions set for heavy rainfall while others face drier spells, even as the country continues to deal with deadly floods.
In its April 2026 outlook released on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, the department said the month will mark the peak of the March–April–May long rains season.
“The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority has released the April 2026 Climate Outlook – highlighting expected rainfall and temperature patterns during the peak month of the March-April-May (MAM) 2026 long rains season,” the statement reads.
The forecast comes at a time when floods have already killed at least 110 people across 30 counties and displaced thousands.
The department expects near-average rainfall in key areas, including the Highlands east and west of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, and the Rift Valley itself. Parts of north-western Kenya will also receive similar levels. However, northern parts of Marsabit, Wajir, and Mandera counties are likely to record above-average rainfall.
Other areas will not be as fortunate. The south-eastern lowlands and the coastal region are expected to receive below-average rainfall. Some parts of the Highlands east of the Rift Valley and sections of north-eastern and north-western Kenya may also see reduced totals.
Rainfall will not be steady throughout the month. The department said the first half of April will likely experience slightly reduced rainfall, before conditions improve towards the end of the month. Afternoon and evening storms are expected in many areas.
Temperatures will vary across the country. Warmer-than-average conditions are expected along the coast, as well as in north-eastern and north-western Kenya. Meanwhile, the Highlands, Rift Valley, and Lake Victoria Basin will record near- to below-average temperatures.
Heavy rains leave destruction
The warning comes as Kenya continues to count the cost of heavy rains in March. Nairobi recorded the highest number of deaths at 37, followed by 26 in the Eastern region. The Rift Valley reported 14 deaths, Nyanza 11, Central six, the Coast five, and Western two. Three people remain missing.
Officials said 6,953 households, affecting about 34,765 people, have lost their homes. Many are now sheltering in schools, churches, and temporary camps.
Floodwaters have destroyed infrastructure in several counties. Rivers burst their banks in areas such as Kilifi, Bungoma, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Kiambu, Uasin Gishu, and Mandera. In Nairobi, poor drainage and construction in low-lying areas made the situation worse.