Unusual for me to do a posting out of the forecast period on the website but I see plenty of tabloids are picking up on a "big freeze" and naturally any snow that comes with it. This is generating a lot of excitement and for some, concern which I would expect. So I shall try and explain what is happening right now and for the next couple of days.

 

For the past week minimum, the infamous forecast data has been on a knife edge as to whether or not UK weather will be influenced from the West or from the East, and has really been a very difficult decision to make. The problem in making such a call stems from a "fight" for territory and who could push into the UK with the bigger influence - the cold from the East or the milder weather from the West.

 

As of now, for us in Kent (and the South-East generally) we look pretty confident to be influenced by colder temperatures brought in from the East. However, the colder weather currently is not able to push West far enough to affect the UK as there is high pressure to the W/SW. So we currently have a colder, drier setup.  What we need are weather front's to push in from the East (which they are having problems doing = high pressure). So the other alternative is for fronts to push into the cold air from the West... But this is also having trouble as it's high pressure to our NE trying to move in from the East and blocking any fronts. So we are almost in "no mans land" with cold temperatures certainly! A big freeze as hyped by national newspapers? Unlikely.

 

Until either high pressure gives in we remain at a sort of stalemate, plus the colder weather influence is only really just beginning anyway so it is still difficult which one will win out. It is from Sunday/Monday onwards that the decision is likely to be officially made but until then stay tuned to my Kent-Weather Twitter and Facebook and I will keep you up to date.

We have a cloudy and wet start to today as a cold front is making its way East through Kent right now meaning if your not seeing any rain yet towards the East it shall be with you very soon.

 

Once this front does pass we will see clearer skies following on behind but a much colder feel to the day even with plenty of sunshine around. High's of 7°C in a light breeze.

 

This evening and through tonight we keep clear skies and a light breeze for most although turning windy for a time towards morning around the Deal/Dover area. A chilly night with low's of 3°C. A chance of a rural frost.

 

Friday will start off with clear skies, gradually turning cloudier as the day wears on so that by the afternoon it's overcast with patchy light rain, *maybe* a tiny chance of a light wintry shower towards the evening. Another chilly feel to the day with high's of between 6-7°C in a light breeze but remaining a little windier around the coasts still.

 

For the evening and overnight, remaining damp with further light rain/drizzle. A tiny chance of the odd white speck but as with the afternoon, dewpoints are a touch too high. This drizzle/light rain shall clear during the night but remain chilly. Low's of 2-3°C in a Northerly breeze.