The weather is set to take a turn for the worse…
Met Office forecasters have predicted a “multi-hazard” event touching down over the south in the coming days as Storm Goretti has been named. According to the latest forecasts, following a freezing start to the first full week of January, calmer conditions are expected around the UK today (January 7) before the weather takes a turn for the worse from Thursday (January 8) into Friday (January 9).
Kent has been chilled by freezing lows since the New Year began thanks to the arrival of a lingering Arctic air mass which has even brought the occasional snow flurry. Now, the Met Office anticipates an area of deep low pressure to arrive in the second half of this week, which could bring more snow, strong winds and possibly heavy rain showers over southern England.
The wet and windy weather will sweep in from the west, with wintery showers most likely to develop at the northern edge of the system. As such, a yellow weather warning for snow has been issued for a large portion of the country from 6pm on Thursday until midday Friday, however the warning does not cover Kent at this time.
Met Office deputy chief forecaster Chris Bulmer said: “A deepening area of low pressure – named Storm Goretti by Meteo France – will move across the south of the UK during Thursday and into Friday. It will clash with the very cold air here, meaning Thursday night could be what we call a ‘multi-hazard’ event, with snow on the northern flank of the low, wind and rain on the southern flank.
“We have therefore issued a yellow warning for snow for parts of England and Wales, where heavy snow could lead to disruption and difficult travelling conditions. Strong winds associated with Storm Goretti may also lead to some disruption, and so in addition a yellow wind warning has been issued for southwest England.
“The exact track of the low is still uncertain, and these warnings are likely to be amended – and potentially escalated – over the coming days. It is therefore vital people keep up-to-date with the latest forecasts.”
Weather predictions actually anticipate temperatures rising in Kent on Thursday evening, hitting 8C in some parts of the county including Ashford, Maidstone, Dover and Tunbridge Wells by 9pm. Overnight, these are expected to sink down to 3C at their lowest in areas to the north and west of the county, ahead of daytime peaks of 4C on Friday.
Any sleet and snow that arrives over the south east is expected to clear during Friday afternoon, making way for a drier but chilly Saturday before more cloudy and wind arrives on Sunday, with the possibility of further wintery showers in Kent.
Meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency has also extended its amber cold-health alerts, which are in place for all regions of England, including the south east. The alert is now due to remain in place until 12pm (noon) on Sunday (January 11) and warns that the continuous low temperatures and adverse weather conditions are expected to have considerable impacts across health and social care services.
This includes a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions, a rise in demand for health services, difficulties maintaining recommended temperatures in hospitals, care and clinics, as well as challenges keeping internal temperatures above the suggested 18C, placing more risk on vulnerable people. There may be impacts on other sectors also, including travel and energy.
Age Scotland’s policy director, Adam Stachura, said: “With such cold temperatures and icy conditions ahead, try and make sure you have enough food and any important medications at home to reduce the need for unnecessary and potentially risky trips. This is particularly important if you have mobility challenges or are unsteady on your feet by avoiding slips, falls and the need for medical attention.
“If heating your home is a challenge, try and stay warm in the room or place you will spend most of your time by wearing layered clothing, taking warm drinks and food with some regular movement to help with circulation and keeping your muscles active. And if you are out clearing paths and your drive of snow and ice, please think about also doing so for your older neighbours to help make it easier for them to leave the house if they need to. That act of kindness will go a long way.”
Amid the ongoing cold snap, experts have issued advice to the public to help keep safe and healthy when temperatures are at their lowest. Medway Council has shared the follows tips:
- Try to heat rooms you spend a lot of time in, like the living room or bedroom, to at least 18C.
- Keep your bedroom at 18C at night and keep your bedroom window closed.
- Try to reduce draughts by drawing your curtains at dusk and fitting draught excluders around doors – this can be done cheaply.
- Wear several layers of thinner clothing, this will keep you warmer than one thick layer.
- Keep moving indoors with little exercises like moving your feet up and down.
- Wear a hat, scarf and gloves outside, particularly in December and January.
- When out and about, wear shoes with good grip to avoid slips and falls on slippery or icy surfaces.
- Drink hot drinks and eat warm foods like curries, stews and soups.
- If bad weather is forecast, plan ahead to check you have enough food and medication in case it’s harder to leave the house.
- Check on older or vulnerable relatives and neighbours – check their heating is working and if they need any groceries or medications.
- To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), babies should sleep in rooms heated to between 16C and 20C.
- Remember to check that your heating and cooking appliances are safe. Contact a Gas Safe registered engineer to make sure they’re operating properly.
- Contact your water and power suppliers to see if you can be on the Priority Services Register, a free support service that helps people in vulnerable situations.
- If you have visitors, ventilate the room for a few minutes before and after they arrive to help stop the spread of germs.
- You can get vaccinated to reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses. Check your eligibility for a flu vaccination or COVID-19 booster.
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