Heat stress in tropical highland regions: the case of Kenya during February 2024

Understanding and awareness about heat stress remain low in sub-Saharan countries despite high exposure and vulnerability. After the national media in Kenya reported that people had complained about unusual heat stress during February 2024, we combine in situ and reanalysis data to (i) put this event into climatological perspective, and (ii) give insights into its surface and atmospheric drivers. Temperature and Heat Index values were 3–4°C above normal during the event; a mid-tropospheric high associated with drier soils contributed to this dry heat stress event. Further research would allow documenting the heat–impacts relationship, needed to improve preparation for future heat extremes.