‎By JOHN MUSEMBI

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Of these, only Kajiado county is likely to get near average rainfall in its Western Sector. "Heavy events possible in a few parts during the first half [of the month]", warns Kenya Meteorological Department in the May 2026 Climate Outlook.

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‎Of note is that the second half of the month will witness cessation of long rains over much of the country including our region. "Depressed rainfall is expected during the second half of the month, signalling the cessation of the long rains over much of the country", the report reads in part.

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‎As of temperature ranges, the South Eastern Lowlands are expected to experience a maximum temperature of between 23°C and 33°C while the minimum temperature will oscillate from 10°C to 22°C.

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‎By JOHN MUSEMBI

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"Isolated heavy afternoon and night showers and thunderstorms are likely to occur in some parts of these areas", said Dr Daniel Mbithi, the County Director of Meteorological Services.

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‎Strong winds blowing from eastern side to the south eastern side are likely to blow at a speed of up to 25knots.

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‎Farmers have been called upon to consult their respective local extension officers for more advice on the best farm practices.

‎By JOHN MUSEMBI

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‎"During the forecast period, rainfall is expected to reduce in some parts of the county and increase in intensity towards the weekend", said Dr Daniel Mbithi, the County Director of Meteorological Services.

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KMD has issued an advisory to Kenyans in lowland counties like Kitui, Makueni and Taita Taveta to remain vigilant for potential floods, flash floods and poor visibility. 

Additionally the weatherman urges Kenyans to avoid driving through or walking in moving water. They should also not shelter under trees during rainfall sessions or near grilled windows since this will increase their exposure to lighting strikes. 

‎Strong winds are expected to persist in most parts of the county. They will be blowing from the southern side to the south eastern direction at a speed exceeding 25knots or 12.5m/s.

By JOHN MUSEMBI 

Strong winds have been forecast to persist across the county. They will be blowing from easterly side to the south-eastern direction at a speed of 25knots or 12.86m/s.

There will be moderate temperatures variations for both maximum and minimum ranges. The maximum temperature is expected to oscillate between 23°C and 31°C while the minimum temperature will range from 16°C to 21°C.

By JOHN MUSEMBI 

This moderate rainfall will be experienced twice; at the start of the week and at the end of the week. In the middle of the week, there will be light rains. 

Both temperature and wind variations are not expected to register much changes in readings. The maximum temperature will range between 22°C to 32°C while the minimum temperature is estimated to oscillate between 16°C and 22°C.

Like in weeks before, strong north easterly to south easterly winds are expected to persist in most parts of Kitui county.  Residents have been advised to consult with county agricultural extensions officers to get appropriate farm practice recommendations in light of this weather forecast.

‎By JOHN MUSEMBI

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Kitui county weather forecast for the week of 31 March to 6 April, 2026|Kenya Meteorological Department

‎The temperature range will be mild, signalling a departure from dry spell which marked the first three months of the year. The maximum temperature range is forecast to vary between 23°C and 32°C while the minimum temperature range will range from 16°C to 22°C.

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‎Wind speed remains unchanged this week as has been before blowing at around 25 knots or 12.86m/s.  It will blow from north eastern side to south east.

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As per temperature ranges,  the weatherman estimates that the maximum temperature will vary from a low of 23°C to a high of 31°C. The minimum temperature,  on the other hand, will be between 16°C and 22°C.

For the most parts of Kitui county,  it is expected that strong north easterly to south easterly winds will blow across the landscape at a speed of up to 25knots or 12.86m/s.

The next month of April is expected to be the peak of March-April-May rainfall season where there will be isolated heavy rainfall. "Isolated heavy rainfall events are likely to occur in some parts of the county", the report reads in part.

May will mark the end of the MAM rainfall season.

The weekly weather forecast indicates that the rainfall being experienced in Kenya is likely to intensify to more than 20mm in a day from  March 19 to 24.

"The intensity is expected to peak  between 20th to 23rd March 2026, before decreasing in intensity on  24th March 2026. All Ukambani region counties are among the areas of concern for the weatherman.  Also under close watch are Mt Kenya Counties such as Meru, Embu, Isiolo and Tharaka Nithi as well as other select counties in Kenya. 

Residents in all the counties likely to be affected by heavy rains have been advised to watch out for potential floods, flash floods and poor visibility.  "Flood water may appear where it has not rained heavily especially downstream", instructed  KMD.

Further, in its March weather forecast,  the Met Department estimates that most places in Kitui are likely to receive near average to above average rainfall.  In the just concluded first half of this month of March,  the weatherman observed that rainfall was enhanced over much of the county. 

However,  the second half of the month is predicted to cause a dry spell affecting maturity of the food crops already planted and being tended. "Dry spells are expected to occur during the second half of the month when the Madden-Julian Oscillation [MJO] is predicted to be in unfavourable phases", said  Kitui County Director of Meteorological Services Dr Daniel Mbithi. 

This latest weather forecast comes against the backdrop of a week-long dry spell that engulfed the county. Farmers are getting worried whether the germinating crops would survive for long if the rains take longer to return. 

Additionally, Mbithi's projection indicates that the rains will be less than 20mm.

The March-April-May rainfall season will peak in April  where it  is expected to be marked by isolated heavy rainfall events in some parts of Kitui county.   The rainfall season will end in May.

Last week witnessed increased rainfall records given most parts of Kitui county received heavy downpour.  "A number of stations recorded very heavy rainfall exceeding 70mm in 24 hours on 3rd in Endau and Mui and again in Endau in 4th", said  Director Daniel Mbithi. 

The other weather conditions like temperature and wind remain unchanged this week since the maximum temperature will range between 24°C and 32°C while the minimum temperature range is expected to vary from 16°C to 22°C.

Strong winds are expected to blow from north eastern side to south eastern side of the county of Kitui at a speed of 25knots [12.86m/s].

As for this new month of March,  the weatherman says, "most places in Kitui county are likely to receive near average to above average rainfall".

Further predictions indicate that rainfall is likely to be enhanced over most areas of Kitui County during the first two weeks of this month. As we head towards April, brace yourself for dry spells.

For an rainfall season onset to be considered to have taken place, an area must receive at least 20mm of rainfall within three consecutive days and with no dry spells lasting more than seven days. Kitui County Director of Meteorological Services Dr Daniel Mbithi confirmed that most parts of the county already have had an onset of March-April-May rainfall season. 

The maximum temperature for the long rains season are likely to be warmer than average over most parts of Kitui county.  This week's maximum temperature range will be between 22°C and 31°C while the minimum temperatures are likely to oscillate from 16°C to 22°C.

‎"March is expected to mark the onset of the rainfall season over several parts of the County, while April is anticipated to represent the peak of the season, with more widespread and enhanced rainfall distribution", said the weather report from Kenya Meteorological Department.

‎However, during the long rains season of March-April-May, the weatherman's forecast is that temperatures will be warmer than average over the whole county.

‎As for this week's forecast, morning times will be partly cloudy while the rest of the days are likely to be sunny.

‎Moreover, temperature may reach uncomfortable levels since the maximum reading on thermometer is forecast to be between 28°C and 37°C. The minimum temperature is likely to oscillate from 15°C to 24°C, said KMD.

‎As usual, expect wind to blow. This time, strong north-easterly to south-easterly winds of speed  of up to 25 knots or 12.86m/s are expected to be felt.

‎The KMD tasks local extension officers from county government to guide community members on the best farm practices to use in order to prepare for best farm yields. This is due to the adverse effects of climate change which erode resilience built over time by different agricultural stakeholders.

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The Near-Average to Below-Average rainfall forecast covers all Ukambani region, North-eastern Kenya and the Northwest. "Rainfall may be poorly distributed,  with intermittent dry spells that could affect agriculture,  pasture and water availability", said Edward Muriuki,  Ag. Director of the Kenya Meteorological Services. 

In terms of temperature range over the long rainfall season, the weatherman said the entire country will experience warmer-than-average temperatures,  increasing heat-related risks, especially in ASAL areas, coastal regions, and urban centres.

Kitui County CECM for Agriculture and Livestock Dr Mbaya Kimwele said while the Met forecast for March 2026 shows that rainfall will be near to below average,  it will have a slightly better performance than the OND 2025 season. "The rains are likely to start in the 3rd to 4th week of March and end by mid-May", he said.

The Kenya Meteorological Department weather forecast further indicates that the month of February will mostly be sunny and dry across most Wards of Kitui County. However,  occasional rainfall may be felt in high ground areas in the Western and Southern sectors.

The month of March,  on the other hand, is expected to mark the onset of rainfall season over several parts of the county.

The weatherman further anticipates April to be the peak of the March-April-May rainfall season with more widespread and enhanced rainfall distribution.

At the same time,  the week will be predominantly a hot one given the  maximum temperature will range between 25°C and 35°C. The minimum temperature, on the other hand, is not expected to be any better since it will go up to 24°C. 

The month of January has been marked by largely dry weather conditions. Met says the situation is expected to persist up to March 2026.  "Sunny and dry weather conditions will dominate most parts of the county ", writes county director for Meteorological Services Dr Daniel Mbithi in his weekly report. 

Despite above dry weather forecasts, the weatherman adds that both weekly and quarterly weather. forecasts may be marked by occasional rainfall in a few areas.

Rainfall forecast for the month of January 2026.|KMD

The weatherman further predicts strong winds are likely to blow across most parts of the expansive county at a speed of 25knots or 12.86m/s. The Kenya Meteorological Department notes that the wind will be blowing from southerly to south easterly side of the devolved unit.

The next three months will be mainly sunny and dry, according to weather forecast by KMD seen by MWINGI TIMES. "A few areas may experience occasional rainy days ", the report further reads in part.

 

Kitui County Deputy Governor Augustine Kanani.

During deliberations at a high level meeting held on December 18, 2025 stakeholders acknowledged a worsening trend which needs quick interventions.

The meeting co-chaired by Kitui County Deputy Governor Augustine Kanani and County Commissioner Erastus Mbui was also attended by Kitui county drought coordinator for NDMA Eunice Mutuku, development partners and line ministry staff from both national and county governments. 

The below average rainfall were characterised by false onset in late October leading to poor harvests, a report on the forum says.

As a result,  the County Steering Group came up with recommendations for better livelihoods of Kitui county residents. 

 They included scaling up food and cash assistance, rehabilitating water sources as well as supporting seed, kitchen gardens and small scale irrigation. The county will also enhance livestock diseases surveillance and strengthen nutrition screening and reporting.

Kenya Meteorological Department will play a key role in the drought phase given expected interventions are anchored on technical advice from KMD. Some of its recommendations include planting drought tolerant crops and aligning crop growing period with local rainy period. 

The weatherman also said going forward residents should embrace dry planting for better yields especially doing the  weeks before the onset of rains.

"Dry planting should happen a week before onset. Wet planting based on weekly forecast. Plant only when weekly forecast predicts more than three days of up to 20 mm rainfall", the report reads in part. It was based on OND rainfall season review by the weatherman.

Dr Augustine Kanani closed the meeting by appreciating all stakeholders and partners for taking part in the CSG meeting and their continued support.

January 2026 Rainfall Outlook. |KMD

However, a few places in Kitui County will get occassional rainfall. This is especially so in high altitude areas.

The latest weather forecast obtained by MWINGI TIMES from County Director of Meteoroloogical Services Daniel Mbithi further forecasts that the first three months of 2026 will be punctuated by sunny and dry conditions. This weather is likely to be experienced in most parts of the county. He stated that the OND rainfall season ceased and there was no onset of rainfall season.

A few areas, however, may experience occassional rainfall. There is also a likelihood of warmer than average temperatures in most parts of Kitui County between January and March.

As for this week, the maximum temperature range is expected to oscillate between 27°C and 35°C while the minimum thermometer reading will range from 14°C and 23°C.

As often predicted, strong southerly to south easterly winds will blow across most parts of the county at a speed of up to 25 knots or 12.86m/s.

Kitui County Director of Meteorological Services Dr Daniel Mbithi addressing the media during a past interview. |MWINGI TIMES

However, mornings are likely to be cloudy. There will be sunny intervals later in the day, according to the Weekly forecast for Kitui County obtained by MWINGI TIMES.

"Afternoon showers and thunderstorms are expected over a few places, occassionally spreading to several places. Night showers are likely to occur over a few places", said Dr Daniel Mbithi, the County Director of Meteorological Services.

Additionally, most parts of Kitui County will experience strong south to south easterly winds. The weatherman said the winds will blow at a speed not exceeding 25 knots or 12.86 m/s.

The maximum temperature for this week will oscillate between 24°C and 35°C while the minimum temperature range will be felt anywhere between 16°C and 23°C.