By Gran Chico
September 11, 2026
Mombasa experienced persistent rainfall on Friday, September 11, with cloudy skies and intermittent showers sweeping across the coastal city for much of the day as residents began confronting the possibility of wetter conditions in the coming months.
The Kenya Meteorological Department had forecast rainfall in Mombasa and other parts of the Coast, including Lamu, Kilifi and Kwale, in its 24-hour weather bulletin issued on Thursday evening.
From morning into the evening, residents experienced periods of light showers and drizzle, with temperatures remaining in the mid-20s Celsius. High humidity levels added to the heavy and muggy conditions across the city, while cloudy skies and moderate coastal winds persisted.
Some weather stations recorded measurable rainfall by the afternoon, with isolated areas receiving totals of about 25 millimetres. Forecasters had warned of continued showers and possible thunderstorms, with the wet conditions expected to persist into the night.
The rainfall comes as Kenya steps up preparations for the October-to-December short rains, with El Niño conditions expected to contribute to above-average rainfall across several parts of the country.
Coastal counties, including Mombasa, remain particularly vulnerable to flooding and other weather-related impacts because of low-lying settlements and drainage challenges. The expected combination of heavy rainfall and coastal conditions has raised concerns over possible flooding, storm surges and disruption of livelihoods.
For many Mombasa residents, memories of the disruptive 2023–2024 El Niño rains remain fresh, particularly among families living in flood-prone neighbourhoods. The experience has renewed concerns over flooded homes, damaged property, impassable roads and interruptions to businesses and other daily activities.
County authorities have been accelerating preparedness measures, including clearing drainage systems, mapping high-risk areas, identifying possible evacuation centres and sensitising communities on how to respond to extreme weather.
National preparedness plans have also placed emphasis on health risks associated with heavy rains, including waterborne and vector-borne diseases in counties identified as being at high risk.
Meteorological experts have indicated that the expected 2026 El Niño-related rainfall could be above normal, although its overall impact will depend on how the event develops alongside other climate drivers, including the Indian Ocean Dipole.
Residents have been urged to follow official weather updates, keep drainage channels around their homes clear where possible and exercise caution while travelling, particularly in areas prone to flooding and slippery roads.
With the short-rains season approaching, sustained coordination between national and county authorities, communities and emergency agencies will be critical in reducing the impact of flooding and other weather-related risks as Mombasa braces for increasingly wet conditions.
