Kenya Meteorological Service Authority confirms the ongoing cold spell will last until at least June 22, with Nyahururu expected to hit a freezing 4°C and Nairobi dropping to 13°C.
If you have been reaching for an extra blanket in the morning, the weatherman has confirmed you will be doing so for at least another week. The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) has officially confirmed that the cold spell currently gripping much of the country is not going anywhere — and in some parts of Kenya, it is only going to get worse before it gets better.
According to the latest forecast issued on June 15, the biting cold will persist across several regions for the next seven days, lasting until at least June 22.
Nyahururu Takes the Crown as Kenya's Coldest Spot
Of all the areas set to feel the full force of this cold spell, Nyahururu stands out as the most extreme. The town, already known for its high-altitude chill, is expected to see nighttime temperatures plummet to a freezing 4°C — the lowest recorded anywhere in the country during this period.
Narok and Laikipia are not far behind, with both regions forecast to hit lows of 8°C during cold nights. Residents in Nakuru, Eldoret, and Kericho should also brace for minimum temperatures hovering between 9 and 11°C throughout the week.
For Nairobi residents, the forecast calls for chilly mornings and evenings, with temperatures expected to drop as low as 13°C. While that may not sound extreme on paper, Nairobi's urban conditions and humidity tend to make the cold feel sharper than the numbers suggest — particularly in the early hours before sunrise.
The Other Side of the Country: Hot and Warm
While highland Kenya shivers, the story is very different in the north and along the coast. North-eastern Kenya — covering Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa — will record the highest temperatures in the country, with Mandera expected to hit a scorching 38°C.
Coastal towns including Mombasa, Malindi, and Lamu will continue enjoying warm and humid weather, with daytime highs of around 30 to 31°C. For residents and visitors along the coast, it is business as usual — warm sunshine, sea breeze, and no need for a jacket.
Sunny Spells Will Offer Daytime Relief
Despite the cold, KMSA's forecast is not entirely gloomy. Most parts of the country are expected to enjoy sunny intervals during the day, providing a brief and welcome escape from the overnight and early morning chill.
This means that while the mornings and evenings will be uncomfortable, afternoons in many regions — including Nairobi — should be relatively bright and manageable.
Rain Still on the Cards for Several Regions
The cold is only one part of the forecast. KMSA has also warned that afternoon and nighttime showers may still occur in several regions, particularly around the Lake Victoria Basin and the Rift Valley.
Counties including Kisii, Kisumu, Bomet, Nandi, and Kakamega should expect a mix of sunshine and sudden downpours throughout the week. Anyone in those areas should carry an umbrella regardless of how bright the morning looks.
The Highlands East of the Rift Valley — covering Murang'a, Kiambu, Nyeri, Meru, Nairobi, Kirinyaga, and Tharaka Nithi — will experience cloudy mornings before conditions clear up later in the day.
The South-eastern lowlands, comprising Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, and Kajiado, should also prepare for occasional morning rains and afternoon showers during the week.
KMSA Advisory: Keep Warm Clothing Handy
The weather authority has issued a direct advisory to Kenyans, urging residents — especially those living in highland and Rift Valley regions — to keep warm clothing readily accessible as temperatures are expected to dip further at night.
This is particularly important for vulnerable groups including young children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions, for whom sustained exposure to low temperatures can pose genuine health risks.
Here is a quick breakdown of what different parts of the country can expect between now and June 22:
Nyahururu leads the cold with lows of 4°C, followed by Narok and Laikipia at 8°C, and Nakuru, Eldoret, and Kericho between 9 and 11°C. Nairobi residents should expect lows of 13°C with chilly mornings and evenings. Meanwhile, Mandera will sit at a blazing 38°C on the opposite end of the spectrum, and coastal towns will remain warm at 30 to 31°C.
For most Kenyans in the central and western regions, the week ahead means cold nights, brief sunny afternoons, and the occasional unexpected downpour. Dress in layers, keep a rain jacket close, and check the forecast before stepping out.