Why Is It Raining In July? Kenya Met Explains, Warns Of Hailstorms
The department had explained that the unusual rain spell in July had been caused by the interaction of cold air from the east and warm air from the west.
Marvin Chege 
The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) on Monday, July 8 offered a simple explanation for heavy rains witnessed in July, a month known to have biting cold weather in many parts of the country.
The department had explained that the unusual rain spell in July had been caused by the interaction of cold air from the east and warm air from the west.
The unique phenomenon has been witnessed in regions such as Nairobi, which witnessed heavy rainfall this past weekend.
"It is not unusual to experience rains in July in Kenya. This occurs when cold air from central and eastern regions, including Nairobi, interacts with warm moist air from the west.
Kenyans walking in heavy rain in Nairobi. /FILE
"The warm air rises over the cold air, leading to heavy advective rains," Kenya Met stated in part.
But from the unusual phenomenon, the weatherman warned that the interaction would intensify, leading to hailstorms, as the month progresses to August and September.
"As we approach August and early September, this interaction can cause hailstorms, which are often mistaken for snow. This phenomenon is similar to the formation of a warm front," Kenya Met added.
"When active weather systems from the west push warm, moist air towards these cooler regions, these weather patterns are expected."
Per the weatherman's mapping, rainfall of up to 180mm will be experienced in Western region counties as well as along the coastline. Other areas including lower eastern and the northern areas are likely to experience moderate to lower rainfall.
On Sunday, another forecast by Kenya Met indicated that eight regions among them Nairobi will experience intense rainfall between 0900hrs July 7, and 0900hrs July 8.
The listed areas include; Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyandarua, Nandi, Laikipia, Trans Nzoia, Narok, and Uasin Gishu. The rainfall was rated above 25mm. In Nairobi, however, the rains will be expected to be below 20mm.
Machakos, Meru, Migori, Homa Bay, Nyamira, Bungoma and Busia are also expected to experience a similar level of rainfall.
The rainfall adds to the cold weather that Kenyans have been witnessing for the past few weeks, meaning one may need more than just a pair of socks and a warm blanket and clothing to keep themselves warm during this period.
