{
  "id": 15636909,
  "title": "Kenya braces for El Niño rains as Met forecasts showers in 44 counties",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/kenya-braces-for-el-nino-rains-as-met-forecasts-showers-in-44-counties",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-19T18:05:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Capital FM Kenya",
    "slug": "capital-fm-kenya",
    "url": "https://capitalfm.africa/kenya-braces-for-el-nino-rains-as-met-forecasts-showers-in-44-counties/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kenya is preparing for a wetter-than-usual period from October to December, as the Kenya Meteorological Department forecasts rainfall across 44 counties. This forecast comes as part of the broader expectation of enhanced rainfall during the October–November–December short-rains season, driven by the strengthening El Niño event.\n\nThe latest seven-day forecast predicts rainfall in various regions, including Meru, Embu, Baringo, and other counties, with isolated storms possible in certain areas. This uneven distribution of rainfall means some regions may experience significantly more rain than others.\n\nTemperature variations are also expected, with daytime temperatures reaching above 35 degrees Celsius in parts of Garissa, Wajir, and other areas, while some regions will see nighttime lows dropping below 10 degrees Celsius.\n\nThe Intergovernmental Authority on Development's Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) has issued a regional outlook, predicting wetter-than-normal conditions across the Greater Horn of Africa due to El Niño and the positive phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole.\n\nWhile El Niño can lead to increased rainfall, the strength of the Indian Ocean Dipole will play a crucial role in determining the intensity of the rains. Authorities are warning of potential flooding, landslides, damage to infrastructure, and the risk of waterborne diseases. Farmers are encouraged to use the forecasts to manage their crops and livestock, while the government urges preparedness measures for the anticipated weather conditions.",
  "summary": "Kenya Met forecasts rainfall across dozens of counties between October 20 and 26 as the country prepares for an El Niño-influenced October–December season. Isolated storms are possible in several counties, while temperatures could exceed 35°C in parts of northern Kenya and the Coast.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}