CLIMATE UPDATE: US Scientists Warn Of Continued Drought In Kenya
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a weather department in the United States, has issued a warning about ongoing dry conditions throughout East Africa, including Kenya.
In an advisory issued on Thursday, November 20, NOAA stated that below-average rainfall during the previous two months has resulted in abnormal dryness in the country, and warned that this condition is projected to persist.
The organization reported that the persistent lack of rain had caused extreme dryness not only in Kenya but throughout the Eastern African region, including Ethiopia and Somalia.
“Over the past week, little to light rainfall was observed across many parts of East Africa, including western Ethiopia, Uganda, the Lake Victoria region, and several areas in central Kenya,” NAA noted.
“Next week, little rainfall is expected in western Ethiopia, eastern Kenya, and southern Uganda. Light to moderate rainfall is expected in Rwanda, Burundi, and much of Tanzania,” it added.
📡 Predicting droughts that cause severe food insecurity in the Eastern Horn of Africa is possible – with months-long lead times.
— UNDRR (@UNDRR) November 13, 2025
The science is improving to become a bigger part of the climate strategy in the region to increase resilience. 👉 https://t.co/60YQRHRSfi pic.twitter.com/pEvW2gZtp8
While November is often renowned for short rainfall, the sudden shift in weather patterns could result in food shortages and other dry-weather-related disasters.
However, NOAA forecast strong rains in the continent’s south, with nations such as South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia expecting above-average rainfall.
This comes as the Kenya Meteorological Department predicts continuing bright and dry weather in most of the country, including Nairobi and Mombasa.
Kenya Met’s weather forecast for November 17 predicted bright conditions in the Rift Valley, Central Kenya, the Coastal area, and sections of the Lake Victoria basin.
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The aforementioned locations encompass more than 32 counties, with minor rains expected in the Southeastern lowlands and select parts of the Lake Victoria basin.
🚨 Climate Watch Alert: The Horn of Africa (south-eastern Ethiopia, eastern Kenya, Southern Somalia) is facing worsening drought as La Niña & negative IOD conditions persist. Forecasts show a high likelihood of continued below-normal rainfall through January 2026 threatening… pic.twitter.com/bD4FyVsPj9
— ICPAC (@IGAD_CPAC) November 14, 2025
Counties predicted to receive light rains included Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi and Nakuru.
In its advisory, the weather department also warned of continued cold nights in the Highland East region of the country, which encompasses Nairobi, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Tharaka Nithi and Nyeri.
CLIMATE UPDATE: US Scientists Warn Of Continued Drought In Kenya
