Kenyans are increasingly worried about the sudden rise in temperatures experienced in Nairobi.
Nairobi residents are sweltering under a brutal heatwave that has gripped the city since the beginning of February. The searing heat, a topic of fervent discussion on platforms like X, has made even staying indoors uncomfortable despite cranking up the fans or flinging open windows. Venturing outside, many lament, is an even tougher proposition, with the intense heat posing a challenge for anyone going out for extended periods. This heatwave isn’t just a social media hot topic but a tangible reality in the city.
Nairobians are attributing the heatwave to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. Accuweather reports daytime temperatures soaring between 30°C and 32°C, adding to the growing concerns among Kenyans about the unusually hot weather. On Monday, the temperature reached 31°C. In a tweet, Influencer Juma G highlighted the relentless heat, saying: “The sun beating down on Nairobi is brutal… The daytime heat is bad enough, but the nights are even worse!” His words resonate with many, as the heatwave dominates discussions on social media and beyond. The intense temperatures are not only raising discomfort levels but also sparking conversations about the potential impact on various aspects of life in the city.
“The heatwave currently in Nairobi is no joke! Yaani jua imeamua kuwaka na familia yote. Employers, can we get a pass to go to the office in a bikini?.” another Kenyan remarked.
Nairobi is grappling with yet another brutal heatwave reminiscent of a similar experience in February 2023. The scorching temperatures add weight to November 2023 warnings by weathermen about the lingering effects of El Niño, a cyclical phenomenon blamed for record global heat in 2023. Experts predicted El Niño’s disruptive influence on weather patterns to extend into early 2024, and Nairobi seems to be feeling the brunt of it.
“The natural warming effect in the Pacific Ocean can cause temporary global temperature increases and negatively affect crop yields in certain parts of the world,” explained the scientists.
During an appearance on state-owned broadcaster KBC on February 4, 2023, David Gikungu, the Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department, clarified that the high nighttime temperatures experienced by Nairobi residents were a result of the daytime heat. He explained that the ground retains heat leading to high temperatures at night.
Heatwaves can cause various symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, fainting, confusion, muscle cramps, headaches, sweating excessively, and fatigue. Experts recommend several strategies to cope with the extreme heat including cool showers before bedtime, staying indoors, monitoring blood pressure, cutting down on alcohol consumption, staying hydrated, and incorporating plenty of fruits into one’s diet.
