As Kenya enters the thick of its cold season, the Meteorological Department has sounded the alarm: July will be marked by foggy mornings, slippery roads, and an uptick in respiratory illnesses. The caution comes as a national advisory targeting not just motorists, but aviation stakeholders, households, and farmers across the country. While the season promises good news for some agricultural zones, the rest of the population is being asked to prepare for disruption, discomfort, and risk.

Motorists, Take Heed: Fog and Slippery Roads Ahead

If you plan to drive along the Nairobi–Naivasha Highway this July, especially on the Kikuyu–Kinungi stretch, expect more than just traffic—visibility may drop to dangerously low levels due to dense fog formation. According to the weather advisory, cold air settling over this region will likely mix with light rainfall and low clouds, creating a near-opaque atmosphere during early morning and evening hours.

The Met Department has warned that light drizzles will increase road slipperiness, raising the potential for accidents. All drivers are urged to slow down, use headlights properly, and maintain wide braking distances. The warning extends to other busy corridors like the Thika Superhighway, where high speeds during wet spells can be a lethal combination.

Airports on Alert: Expect Delays and Flight Disruptions

Wilson Airport and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) are also expected to feel the brunt of the weather. Fog and low-hanging clouds could disrupt visibility for pilots and delay both domestic and international flights. Airport authorities have been instructed to coordinate closely with weather units and prepare for unexpected changes in scheduling.

Passengers are advised to plan for delays and monitor travel advisories closely throughout the month. The cold conditions won’t just affect takeoff—it may impact travel across multiple sectors, especially for time-sensitive logistics and cargo.

The Hidden Threat: Surge in Respiratory Illnesses Expected

Beyond transportation disruptions, the weatherman warns of a parallel health crisis brewing in the shadows. As temperatures plunge, a spike in respiratory illnesses—ranging from common colds to pneumonia and asthma—is anticipated in regions like Nairobi, the Central Highlands, and parts of the South and West Rift Valley.

Residents, particularly children, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions, are urged to take extra precautions. Dressing warmly, avoiding damp environments, and steering clear of cold exposure will be critical. Public health authorities are expected to heighten surveillance in vulnerable counties to manage outbreaks early and avoid overwhelming clinics.

A Lethal Indoor Danger: Carbon Monoxide Risk

With the cold pushing many to warm their homes using charcoal jikos, the Met Department has issued a stern warning: don’t do it in unventilated spaces. The use of these heating devices indoors without proper airflow risks carbon monoxide poisoning—a silent, deadly threat that has claimed lives in past cold seasons.

This call is particularly urgent for low-income households where such heating options are common. Communities are being reminded to prioritize safety and avoid makeshift solutions that trade warmth for life-threatening exposure.

Silver Lining: Rain to Boost Crops in Fertile Zones

Not all the news is grim. The cold season's light rains are expected to offer an agricultural boost to several counties. The Lake Victoria Basin, Highlands West of the Rift Valley, and parts of the Central and Southern Rift Valley are likely to benefit from adequate moisture for crop development.

However, farmers in the Highlands East of the Rift Valley should remain vigilant for potential frost damage, especially as temperatures drop further toward the end of the month. Agronomists are advising proactive measures like frost cloths or mulching to preserve vulnerable crops from chilling injuries.

Final Note: Prepare, Don’t Panic

This July, Kenyans are advised not to take the cold season lightly. From travel disruptions and rising health concerns to silent indoor threats and agricultural highs and lows, the month promises complexity on every front.

Preparedness will make the difference—whether that means delaying a road trip, layering up your wardrobe, or checking in with vulnerable relatives. The chill is coming, but with vigilance and foresight, its sting can be managed.