Winter arrives in Whitstable

Wintry weather may be arriving at last in Whitstable.

The temperature definitely dropped over the weekend and I've seen more people in hats and gloves today than at any time so far this season.

There was a Twitter report of powdery snow in Whitstable early this morning, and someone has told me of a brief flurry in Canterbury. The best chance of receiving the white stuff here, though, seems to be for tonight and tomorrow (Tuesday) according to the local weather forecast (and as I write this, I'm looking out at an increasingly grey sky!)

If you think it's chilly now, temperatures are even more likely to drop to negative values later in the week but with clearer night skies and therefore less risk of snowfall.

On the roads, there's a real risk of icy patches and frost from tonight and Kent Highways are warning everyone to drive with extra care. Their fleet of more than 500 winter service vehicles is standing by for action.

• Remember last winter? Serious quantities of snow blanketed Whitstable twice, causing all sorts of problems including the cancellation of outdoor Christmassy events. Here are some reminders of the Big Snows of last winter in Whitstable:
•  First day of big snow in Whistable,
•  Here we snow again and
•  Snow stops Whitstable Christmas launch.