High temperatures turning Nairobi into an oven

The prevailing temperatures, especially in the last few days, have turned life in the city into one long sweaty affair.

According to residents of the city, the last few afternoons have been hot torturous. The nights too have hit near melting point, something that has a big influence on sleep.

According to information on the Kenya Meteorological Department website, in their five-day forecast, Highlands East of Rift Valley, including Nairobi could be cooked to a maximum of 30°C. 

According to the forecast there is a chance of showers over few mountainous areas at night, mornings characterised by cloudy breaking into sunny intervals.

It’s not uncommon to see people walking into offices or eateries with sweaty brows and soaked armpits. It gets that hot, sometimes.

Josephine Njoki, who runs a water-shop in Eastlands, told Wananchi Reporting that sales of bottled water have increased tenfold in the past two weeks.

“Many people have been coming for refills the last two or three weeks. This usually happens whenever it is warmer ,as households tend to drink a lot of water,” said Njoki.

In a city where water is a priced commodity – most families are no doubt already 'feeling the heat'.

Back at home – parents nursing young children have to spend a better part of the night fanning kids to sleep.

“I personally don’t cover myself these days when sleeping. I just sleep ‘like that’,” says Maryanne Nyaboke, a resident of Kayole.

“Sometimes, I even leave the window open. It’s that hot,” she adds – noting that landlords should, in the future, build houses that are weather or climate sensitive.

There is a general feeling among some residents that too much concrete in the city has affected the climate.

“Nairobi used to be wet and cold most part of the year when we had trees and forests everywhere.

“These days, all we see are apartments and more apartments. The rivers have dried, and every bush is gone. This should change,” said Nyaboke.

Meanwhile – it is advisable to stay indoors whenever you can, especially in the afternoons.

If you can afford, get a fan. Take cold showers, and dress up in suitable clothes. It’s also advisable to hydrate a lot more.