Sub-zero temperatures blast Tunbridge Wells

Tunbridge Wells residents are bracing themselves for the continuation of the cold snap that will affect the UK this week.

Temperatures across the whole country are set to plummet, reaching as low as -3C in Kent, with bitter Arctic winds making the temperatures feeling even colder than this according to forecasters.

A high-pressure system pushing over Scandinavia and western Russia will force raw easterly winds towards the UK as the week progresses, causing the longest spell of cold weather so far this winter.

Snow is also forecast in some regions over the coming days, and although Tunbridge Wells at this point in time is expected to be unaffected by snow, there remains the possibility of the white stuff landing on our region towards the end of the week and into the weekend.

There were a few flurries in and around Kent this morning, including in Southborough.

Paul Mott, forecaster with MeteoGroup, the Press Association's weather division, said: "There has been a sprinkling of snow overnight over parts of Wales, Devon, Somerset and Hampshire.

"It has mainly been over hills - with accumulations of up to 5cm in some areas - but there have also been some falls on lower ground locally.

"There will be some fairly wet snow falling over the hills of Gloucestershire, Somerset and South Wales this morning but it will struggle to settle so shouldn't cause too many transport problems."

Mr Mott said the mercury could plummet to as low as -10C in rural parts of central England on Thursday night, with average day time readings only reaching 3C-4C.

"The nights will be really cold throughout the week and there will be the occasional snow shower over the eastern counties of England, eastern Scotland and even London," he added.

The Met Office also issued a warning of severe cold weather across much of England until at least Thursday. Check out their 5-day forecast for Tunbridge Wells or for up-to-the-minute local weather forecasts check out Kent Weather or follow them on Twitter via @KentWeather.