Kenya Met Forced To Clarify Nairobi’s Hot Weather Amid Heat Wave Concerns
Nairobi residents have been experiencing unusually high temperatures, raising concerns over whether the city is experiencing a heat wave.
The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has now issued a statement clarifying the heat wave phenomenon, particularly in the Kenyan context.
In a statement released on Sunday, February 1, the weatherman defined a heat wave in Kenya as three or more days of abnormally high daytime temperatures that surpass locally specified standards.
These levels are based on historical temperature and health data from urban areas.
🌡️ What qualifies as a Heat Wave in Kenya?
— Kenya Met Department 🇰🇪 (@MeteoKenya) February 1, 2026
In the Kenyan context, a heat wave is defined as a period of three or more consecutive days of extremely high daytime temperatures that exceed locally determined thresholds and are associated with increased health risks ⚠️. Based on… https://t.co/8FDalyltvx
In Nairobi, a heat wave occurs when the daily maximum temperature is 32°C or above for three consecutive days. Kisumu has a temperature threshold of 37°C, while Mombasa’s is 36°C.
According to the most recent weather data, Nairobi is experiencing reasonably comfortable warm conditions, with daytime temperatures ranging from 28-29°C, which is usual for the season and lower than the 32°C heat wave threshold.
Based on these tendencies, Nairobi is not now experiencing a heat wave because the extraordinarily high temperatures have not been sustained for three or more days.
Instead, the city is experiencing typical warm weather, and the Kenya Met has confirmed that no heat wave alerts have been issued anywhere.
If Nairobi had a classic heat wave, the evidence would be clear: normal daily routines such as outdoor activities, transportation, and physical work would become more difficult than usual.
Vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic illness would be at the highest risk of adverse effects of heat waves, as they would be at risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration.
A majority of these groups would experience symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, nausea and headaches.
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In severe cases, some people would suffer from heatstroke since extreme heat puts extra strain on the heart and lungs.
This, in turn, worsens conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and heart disease.
Globally, some countries experience far more devastating heat waves.
In 2023, for example, parts of Europe saw temperatures soar above 40°C for several consecutive days, leading to dozens of heat-related deaths.
Kenya Met Forced To Clarify Nairobi’s Hot Weather Amid Heat Wave Concerns
