'Risk to life' Kent weather warning until end of week as county expects freezing cold

Hedi Mehrez

20 November 2024 at 11:58 am·2-min read

A weather warning is in place in the southeast — -Credit: (Image: UKHSA)

A 'risk of life' weather warning is set to remain in place until this weekend as temperatures continue to drop across Kent. The UK Health Security Agency issued the yellow cold weather health alert for the south east this week.

It warns of the impact on health and social care services, including increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people. The cold causes "greater risk to life" of vulnerable people, according to the UKHSA.

The alert came into place on Monday, November 18 and will last until 6pm on Saturday, November 23. Met Office Chief Meteorologist Neil Armstrong said: “With cold Arctic air firmly in place over the UK, continued winter hazards are likely through much of this week, with further updates to warnings likely in the coming days."

Temperatures are set to drop below zero this evening (November 20). From 10pm, Sevenoaks will experience -1C degrees until 8am tomorrow. 'Feels like' temperatures will reach -5C from 9pm.

Similar temperatures can be expected in Tunbridge Wells. 'Feels like' temperatures will drop to -4C at around 8pm tonight. Wind gusts will average at around 11 to 13 throughout the night.

There will be a high humidity level of 88 and 89 per cent. People living near the coast won't be spared by the cold.

In Folkestone, temperatures will drop below zero at around midnight, with 'feels like' temperatures of -5C between 10pm tonight until 2am tomorrow.

The weekend is set to bring warmer temperatures. Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mike Silverstone said: “A deep area of low pressure looks likely to influence the UK’s weather this weekend.

"While this will bring in milder air to most parts, it also brings with it some heavy rain and strong winds at times. It’s too early for precise detail, but there’s a potential for further warnings.”

Amber alerts are in place in the east and north of England, midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber. Dr Agostinho Sousa, from the UKHSA, said: “This is the first amber Cold Weather Health Alert of the season, but we can expect more as we approach winter, and it is vital to check in on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours to ensure they are well prepared for the onset of cold weather.

“Particularly if they are elderly or otherwise at increased risk.”

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