Residents of Nyeri County should expect to witness a significant amount of rain this Friday, County Meteorological Services Director Peter Wambugu has said.

Wambugu has told KNA the showers which form part of the October –November –December short rains will eventually intensify in the coming days.

Earlier this month, the Kenya Meteorological Services Authority (KMSA) had reported that the much anticipated EL-Nino rains were to commence from October 8 and continue into January next year.

However, many parts of the country remain dry after the much-anticipated rains failed to come down as expected.

While commenting on the matter, Wambugu has urged farmers to liaise with agricultural extension officers in their respective localities on when to do their planting.

“The rains are coming and the public need not doubt about this at all on this matter. As Kenya Meteorological Services Authority we are telling our people to wait for the rains beginning October 23 and October 24. From then we expect the rains to increase in intensity as days’ progress just like in any normal rainy cycle,” assured the officer.

According to a weekly weather forecast by KMSA dated October 19, 2026 Nyeri is among the counties that are expected to experience significant amounts of rains beginning October 20 and October 26.

In addition, the county is expected to record nighttime minimum temperatures less than 100C.

Other counties included in this cluster include Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nakuru and Kajiado.

“Morning rains are likely to occur in parts of Embu, Kajiado, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Machakos, Mandera, Meru, Murang’a, Nairobi, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Tharaka-Nithi, Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Kisii, Homa Bay, Migori, Turkana and Wajir counties, read part of the weekly weather forecast.

“Afternoon showers and thunderstorms are likely to occur in parts of Baringo, Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kericho, Kisii, Kisumu, Migori, Nakuru, Nandi, Narok, Nyamira, Siaya, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Vihiga and West Pokot counties,” read the forecast.

The county of Nyeri is also among counties predicted to record both afternoon and night showers during the same period.

The forecast similarly cited Nyeri among counties that recorded a slight increase in temperature between October 12 and October 18.

“Comparing the 5th to 11th October 2026 and the 12th to 18th October review records, it is noted that daytime (maximum) temperatures slightly increased in several stations notably Laikipia, Kitui, Makindu, Nyeri and Lamu among others though some stations like Kisumu, Suba, Kakamega and Kitale recorded significant decrease. Night-time (minimum) temperatures decreased in most stations including Thika, Meru, Embu and Laikipia and increased in a few stations, most notably Kericho, Kakamega and Kisumu.” states the forecast signed by KMSA acting Director General Kennedy Thiong’o.

In its seasonal forecast for the October-November -December weather outlook, KMSA had predicted that most parts of the country will experience above-average rains.

Only the county of Turkana and a few parts of West Pokot, Samburu and Marsabit were predicted to receive near-average rainfall during this season.

Mean temperatures are expected to be warmer than average throughout the country.

In total a total of 18 counties had been put on red alert of being at risk of flooding and mudslides from the heavy downpour.

Nyeri is among counties expected to start receiving the rains during the second and third week of October.

Others include Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Baringo, West Pokot and Narok.

“October marks the onset of the October –November-December ‘Short Rains’ over much of Kenya. The month is particularly important to counties such as Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Murang’a, Embu and Busia where more than 200mm of rainfall is received,” read the weather outlook dated September 30.

The season results from the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)migrating southwards across East Africa bringing with it increased moisture and convention.

Above-average rainfall was expected Makueni, Kajiado, Machakos, Nairobi, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Isiolo, Nyandarua, Nyeri and parts of Taita Taveta, Laikipia, Tana River, Garissa, Wajir, Marsabit and Narok counties.

The report also outlined potential impacts of the October rains on both man and environment.

For instance, while the above-rainfalls are expected to improve soil moisture and boost agriculture production and improve water and pasture availability for animals KMSA warned the downpour could also lead to waterlogging, delayed farm operations, increased crop diseases and challenges in transporting farm produce.

The authority further warned of the likelihood of outbreak of waterborne diseases such as malaria in poorly drained areas and threats of flash floods, landslides and localized infrastructure damages.

“Above-average rainfall is likely to increase river flows, replenish dams, water pans, and groundwater resources, and improve water availability for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use. In arid and semi-arid regions, the rains may contribute significantly to the recovery of water sources that are often stressed during the dry season.

At the same time, heavy rainfall could increase runoff and cause localized flooding in some catchments, especially where drainage systems are inadequate,” stated the September report.

By Samuel Maina