Residents in Folkestone, Kent, are enjoying a bright, mild day this Wednesday, 4 February 2026. Met Office regional forecasts for London & the South East show daytime temperatures of up to 11°C, while the Met Office’s local Folkestone forecast gives a daytime maximum of around 9°C as morning rain clears to leave sunny intervals.
Today’s milder conditions are above the usual February range for coastal Kent (about 7–9°C). Local authorities and the Met Office are advising residents to use the brief dry window to carry out outdoor tasks such as clearing gutters or securing garden furniture before conditions deteriorate.
Periods of rain are expected to return early on Thursday morning as a low-pressure system moves in from the Atlantic. Gusts of up to about 32mph are forecast in the area. The Environment Agency — which manages the Folkestone to Cliff End Strategy for coastal flood and erosion risk — is monitoring the coastline; the new rainfall will fall on ground that is already saturated after a wet winter, increasing the risk of surface water problems in vulnerable areas.
Historical climate data shows February can be a volatile month for coastal towns. Carbon Brief, in a piece summarising the Met Office’s review of 2024, highlights that the UK has lately seen more frequent pulses of mild winter air followed by notable stormy spells.
Strong winds on Thursday could cause some disruption for waterfront businesses and may lead to slower rail journeys on the coastal lines. The wet and breezy conditions are expected to continue through Friday, 6 February 2026.
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