The Kenya Meteorological Department has responded to growing curiosity among Kenyans about why the month of July often feels much colder than other months.
In a detailed statement released on Monday, July 28, the weather experts broke down the reasons behind this seasonal chill, pointing to a mix of natural land-based and atmospheric conditions.
According to the Met Department, four main factors work together to create the cold and gloomy July weather that many Kenyans experience, especially in Nairobi, the central highlands, and parts of the Rift Valley.
The department emphasized that the chilly conditions are not random, but rather a result of scientific climate patterns.
The first reason they gave is the presence of thick, layered clouds—known as stratified cloud cover—that hang over key regions like Nairobi, the central highlands, southeastern Kenya, and parts of the Rift Valley.
These clouds prevent sunlight from reaching the ground, meaning there is less surface heating during the day. As a result, the temperatures remain lower than usual.
Secondly, the department pointed out the role of high-pressure systems, which dominate the region during this season. These systems help maintain atmospheric stability, which allows the formation of a “blanket” of clouds.
This cloud cover traps cold air close to the ground and makes it difficult for the sun to warm the earth, making days feel colder and duller.
The third factor behind the chill is altitude. Areas such as Nairobi and the central highlands sit at elevations above 1,500 meters (about 4,900 feet) above sea level. At such high altitudes, temperatures are naturally cooler, and during July, this effect is even more noticeable.
Lastly, the Kenya Met Department explained that since July falls during the Southern Hemisphere’s winter, Kenya is affected by cold, dry air masses from the south. These continental winds bring cooler temperatures into the country, adding to the already chilly conditions.
This explanation was in response to a Kenyan citizen who had raised a thoughtful question about why July in Kenya is marked by grey, cloudy days, unlike winters in northern countries where it can still be cold but sunny.
“Why is our July winter filled with gloomy skies even when it doesn’t rain, while places like Europe or North America have clear blue skies during winter?” she asked.
In a separate weekly weather forecast issued on Friday, July 25, the Kenya Meteorological Department warned that cold conditions would persist in several regions. These include the Highlands both east and west of the Rift Valley, the Southeastern Lowlands, and large portions of the Rift Valley itself.
The temperatures in these regions were expected to drop as low as 10°C to 12°C (50°F to 53.6°F), especially during early mornings and late evenings.
Counties that were most likely to be affected in the Highlands East of the Rift Valley include Nyandarua, Nyeri, Laikipia, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Nairobi.
In the Rift Valley and westward areas, counties like Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Narok, Nakuru, and Kericho were expected to experience the cold snap as well.
Also affected were southeastern counties such as Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Kajiado, and Taita Taveta. Parts of Tana River County, especially the inland areas, were also predicted to face the same cold, cloudy weather pattern.
So, if you’ve been wondering why you’ve been reaching for sweaters and hot drinks this July, now you know—it’s a perfect mix of clouds, high altitude, pressure systems, and southern winds working together to bring Kenya’s signature chilly July.
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