Nairobi and several surrounding areas are expected to remain cold for a few more days after weather experts attributed the chilly conditions to a Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) currently affecting Equatorial Africa and the Indian Ocean.
According to weather analyst Maithya wa Vilivū, the atmospheric system has increased cloud cover over the region, leading to lower temperatures across the highlands east and west of the Rift Valley, including the Nairobi Metropolitan area and parts of South Eastern Kenya.
The MJO is a weather pattern that moves slowly across the tropics every 30 to 60 days. As it passes over Equatorial Africa and the Indian Ocean, it encourages the formation of thick clouds that block much of the sun's heat during the day.
The expert explained that the persistent cloud cover, together with cool south-easterly winds, has kept daytime temperatures low and allowed cold air to remain over Nairobi and other parts of the Kenyan highlands.
He noted that Monday and Tuesday are expected to be the coldest days of the week because the heavy cloud cover will greatly reduce sunshine.
However, residents may experience slightly warmer weather on Wednesday before the cold returns on Thursday and Friday. Conditions are expected to improve again on Saturday, with another drop in temperatures forecast for Sunday.
The findings come as the Kenya Meteorological Department says the country is gradually moving out of the cold season, although cool and cloudy conditions are expected to persist in Nairobi and several other regions throughout August.
Kenya Met predicts periods of cloudiness, morning fog, drizzle and light rain in Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang'a, Nyeri, Embu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Kirinyaga and Nyandarua counties, among others.
Its weather outlook for August 4 to August 10 also indicates that while most parts of Kenya will remain generally dry, rainfall is likely in counties such as Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Kakamega, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kericho, Nyandarua, Nyeri and Murang'a.
The department further says Nairobi and parts of Central Kenya will continue experiencing cool, cloudy weather with occasional light showers during the mornings and afternoons.
Temperatures in many highland areas are expected to fall below 10°C at night, while Nairobi is forecast to record daytime highs of about 27°C and nighttime lows of around 11°C.
Kenya Met has also warned that strong south-easterly winds may affect parts of northern, eastern and coastal Kenya, with the potential to disrupt transport, damage weak structures and make the cold weather feel even more severe.
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