Weatherman Lists 40 Counties Expected to Receive More Rain in November
The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast above-average rainfall in more than 40 counties in November, warning residents to prepare for possible flooding, landslides and transport disruptions.
In its monthly weather outlook released on Sunday, November 1, 2026, the department listed Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Kiambu, Meru, Machakos and Makueni among the counties expected to receive more rainfall than the long-term average.
Other counties in the forecast include Baringo, Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Embu, Garissa, Homa Bay, Isiolo, Kajiado, Kakamega, Kericho, Kilifi, Kirinyaga, Kisii, Kitui, Kwale, Laikipia and Lamu.
The list also covers Mandera, Migori, Murang’a, Nandi, Narok, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Siaya, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Tharaka-Nithi, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Vihiga and Wajir, as well as much of West Pokot, Samburu and Marsabit.
Parts of Turkana, West Pokot, Samburu, Baringo and Marsabit are expected to receive near-average to above-average rainfall.
November rainfall outlook
The department said November is a key month in the October-November-December short rains season, which supports agricultural activities and replenishes water resources.
“November is a key month of the October-November-December short rains season, with rainfall playing an important role in supporting agricultural activities, replenishing water resources and sustaining livelihoods across the country,” the department stated.
It added that rainfall distribution and intensity would be influenced by climate drivers, including the Indian Ocean Dipole and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, as well as atmospheric systems and tropical cyclones over the Indian Ocean.
Flood risk warning
Kenya Met warned that the enhanced rainfall could trigger flash floods, riverine flooding, landslides and damage to infrastructure.
“The enhanced rainfall may increase the risk of weather-related hazards, including flash floods, riverine flooding, landslides and damage to infrastructure,” the department said.
It identified low-lying coastal regions, flood-prone river basins, urban centres with inadequate drainage and steep highland areas as locations facing heightened risks.
The department also cautioned that prolonged rainfall could affect transport, particularly in rural areas.
“Rural access roads are particularly vulnerable to deterioration and may become impassable following prolonged rainfall, affecting the movement of people, goods and essential services,” it stated.
Urban areas could also experience traffic congestion where drainage systems are overwhelmed.
Warmer conditions
Despite the expected rainfall, the department forecast warmer-than-average temperatures across the country in November.
“Mean temperatures are expected to be warmer than average throughout the country,” the forecast stated.
Nairobi, Kiambu and Murang’a are expected to record maximum temperatures ranging between 20°C and 30°C, while minimum temperatures could fall between 4°C and 20°C.
Parts of Turkana and Samburu could experience daytime temperatures reaching 38°C. Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Isiolo are also expected to record maximum temperatures of up to 38°C.
Coastal counties, including Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu and Kwale, are forecast to record maximum temperatures of between 25°C and 35°C.