Kenya Met Issues Red Alert Over Extreme Weather Threat

The Kenya Meteorological Department under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry has issued a heavy rainfall advisory warning of intensified rains across several parts of the country beginning 22nd April 2026.

In the official communication, the department stated: “Rainfall is expected to continue across several parts of the country. From 22nd April to 27th April 2026, the rainfall is likely to intensify, with accumulations exceeding 20mm in 24 hours over the Coast, as well as parts of the Northeastern and Southeastern Lowlands.”

The statement further noted that the weather system could bring additional risks beyond rainfall alone.

According to the advisory, the expected conditions are categorised as moderate to heavy in severity.

The department explained: “Severity: Moderate to Heavy. Certainty: Moderate Probability of occurrence (33% to 66% Chance).”

Authorities indicated that while not absolute, the likelihood of occurrence is significant enough to warrant public caution and preparedness across the affected regions.

Forecast and Affected Regions

The Kenya Meteorological Department further warned that the rainfall will not only be persistent but also potentially destructive in localized areas.

“The upcoming rainfall may be accompanied by gusty winds exceeding 25 knots (12.5 m/s),” the advisory read.

The affected counties include Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Garissa, and parts of Wajir, Mandera, Taita-Taveta, Kitui, and Makueni.

Authorities cautioned that these regions should expect variable rainfall intensity, with some areas experiencing sudden downpours leading to flash floods.

Flood Risk, Coastal Hazards and Public Safety Measures

The department has raised concern over both inland and coastal risks, warning that sea conditions will deteriorate significantly.

Also Read:Kenya Met Issues Heavy Rainfall Alert Across Several Regions

It stated: “Additionally, sea waves are expected to reach heights of more than 2 meters along the Coast.”

This poses a direct threat to maritime activities including fishing, transport, and port operations.

Residents in the affected areas have been urged to remain vigilant.

“People in all the mentioned areas should remain vigilant for potential floods, flash floods, and poor visibility,” the advisory noted.

It further warned that floodwaters may appear unexpectedly: “Flood waters may occur in areas where it has not rained heavily, particularly downstream.”

The public has been advised to avoid risky behaviour during the rainfall period.

The department emphasized: “To ensure safety residents are advised to avoid driving through or walking in moving water or open fields, not to shelter under trees or near grilled windows to minimize exposure to lightning strikes and to take precautions while engaging in maritime activities.”

Also Read:Kenya Met Lists Areas to Experience Heavy Rainfall in the Last Week of April

Government Response and Coordination

The advisory has been formally addressed to high-level government offices and emergency response agencies including: The Presidency; Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry; Principal Secretary, State Department for Environment and Climate Change; National Intelligence Service, Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Maritime Authority, Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Airport Authority, National Disaster Operations Centre, National Drought Management Authority, National Disaster Management Unit, Media, Central Bank of Kenya, Kenya Bureau of Statistics, Relevant Government Ministries, Council of Governors, and County Directors of Meteorological Services (CDMs).

The Kenya Meteorological Department confirmed that, “Updates will be provided promptly if there are any changes,” signalling continued monitoring of the evolving weather system.

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