By Issa Hussein - Reporter
24 June 2026 - As darkness falls over Garissa town, Mohamed Sirat pulls on a heavy jacket before stepping outside his home in Bulla County.
It is a sight that would have seemed unusual just a few months ago in a region better known for its scorching temperatures than cold evenings.
For many residents, this year's Hagaa season has brought an unexpected chill, prompting conversations about changing weather patterns and the growing impact of climate change in northern Kenya.
Hagaa, a seasonal weather phenomenon common in the region between June and September, is traditionally associated with cooler conditions that provide relief from the intense heat experienced across much of the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) of northern Kenya.
But according to Mohamed, the cold weather being experienced this year feels different.
"This year it's extremely cold, very unusual. It seems climate change is becoming real," he says while adjusting a thick jacket that he normally reserves for trips to Nairobi and other cooler parts of the country.
Nearby, his neighbour Hassan Abdille is also wrapped in a woollen sweater as the two men share a cup of tea and discuss the dramatic change in weather.
For residents accustomed to warm nights, the sudden need for heavy clothing has become one of the most noticeable features of this year's season.
One County, Different Weather Conditions#
What makes Hagaa unique is the diverse weather conditions it creates across Garissa County.
In Ijara and Hulugho sub-counties, residents are experiencing coastal showers due to the areas' proximity to the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, Garissa town, Fafi and Balambala are experiencing significantly cooler temperatures, particularly at night, with little or no rainfall.
Further north in Lagdera, bordering the expansive Waso Plains, strong seasonal winds create swirling columns of dust and sand that sweep across roads and settlements.
For transport operators, the conditions can pose serious challenges.
Abdirizack Ahmed, a driver who operates a Probox taxi service between Garissa and Habaswein, says the powerful whirlwinds sometimes reduce visibility to dangerous levels.
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"You are forced to stop until it subsides. It is dangerous for drivers because you can completely lose visibility," he explains.
The phenomenon highlights the remarkable weather contrasts experienced within a single county during the Hagaa season.
Despite the challenges posed by dust storms and strong winds, many residents have welcomed the cooler temperatures.
For months, Garissa residents endured intense daytime heat, with temperatures often soaring above 35 degrees Celsius. The arrival of Hagaa has brought a welcome break from the harsh conditions that characterize much of the year.
Many residents say the scorching midday sun that previously dominated daily life has become less severe, while evenings and early mornings have turned noticeably colder.
However, the unusual intensity of this year's cold nights has sparked discussions among locals about whether climate change may be influencing traditional weather patterns.
Climate experts have long warned that rising global temperatures can lead to unpredictable local weather conditions, including shifts in seasonal cycles, temperature extremes and changes in rainfall patterns.
From coastal showers in Ijara and Hulugho, to chilly nights in Garissa town and dust-laden winds across Lagdera, Hagaa continues to demonstrate the unique climatic diversity of Garissa County.
For residents like Mohamed Sirat, the season remains a reminder of nature's ability to transform daily life.
As the evening temperatures continue to drop, jackets, sweaters and hot cups of tea have become unexpected companions in a region more often associated with relentless heat than cold nights.
Whether the unusually chilly conditions are a temporary anomaly or a sign of broader climatic shifts, one thing is clear: this year's Hagaa has given Garissa residents plenty to talk about.