By S, KNA
Nyeri is among counties expected to receive heavy rains within the remaining part of February.
A routine weather advisory from the Kenya Meteorological Department dated February 20, 2026 has listed a total of 22 counties in the country, which are expected to continue experiencing heavy rains until February 26.
Among counties listed in the national climate advisory include Tana River, Mombasa, Kericho, Nairobi, Machakos, Narok, Kisii, Migori and Nandi.
“The rainfall being experienced over the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley and Highlands west and East of Rift Valley including Nairobi is expected to intensify to more than 20mm in 24hrs on 21st February 2026,” stated the weather advisory update signed by KMD acting Director Edward Muriuki.
“The heavy rainfall is likely to intensify to more than 30mm in 24hrs on 22nd, 23rd and 24th February 2026 and spread to the Southeastern lowlands and the Coastal region especially south Coast. It is projected to reduce in intensity on 25th February 2026.”
In addition, KMD has advised those living in the listed regions to be extra cautious and avoid exposing themselves to risks that may jeopardize their lives or those of their loved ones during this brief rainy season.
The advisory has also been copied to the Presidency and all emergency and disaster related agencies as a mitigation measure in the event urgent help is needed in the aforementioned areas.
“Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential floods. Flood waters may appear in places where it has not rained heavily, especially downstream.
People are advised to avoid driving through or walking in moving water or open fields. Updates will be provided promptly if there are any changes,” stated the weather report.
Among agencies that have already released SOS lines for use by the public in case of an emergency include the Kenya Red Cross Society.
The relief agency has issued a toll free call line (1199) to the public for those who would wish to report about incidents requiring emergency response.
In its seasonal prediction for the long rains, the weatherman had indicated the long rain season will commence from the third and fourth week of March, but the ongoing rains seem to have caught many by surprise.
Nyeri County Director for Meteorological Services Peter Wambugu has however stated that the current downpour is expected to end by the end of this month and should not be construed to be the onset of the long rain season.
He has nevertheless advised farmers to seek any clarification on whether the rains are appropriate for planting from their respective County Agricultural Extension officers.
“What we are experiencing this month is just a fleeting downpour which will eventually pave way for a dry spell beginning March 1. We had already alerted the country that February would be a wet month which will afterwards be followed by a dry spell. The normal long rainy season is not expected until around the third and fourth week of March,” he has told KNA.
In its climate outlook for the March-April –May rainfall season, KMD had predicted that areas around Lake Victoria Basin, the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Highlands East of the Rift Valley will receive near-average to above –average rainfall.
In addition, Southern lowlands, Northeastern, and parts of Northwestern Kenya and the Coastal Region are expected to receive near-average to below-average and below average respectively.
The peak season of the rains is predicted to occur in April over most regions, apart from the Coast where the peak is expected in May.