Royal Tunbridge Wells in Kent is preparing for a period of freezing temperatures and significant snowfall expected in mid‑February 2026. The Met Office has issued a long‑range alert warning of disruptive snow and sub‑zero temperatures, marking what forecasters say could be the first major snowfall of the 2025/26 season for West Kent.
Forecasters expect a cold front to arrive on the evening of Sunday 8 February 2026, with the first snow most likely during the morning commute on Wednesday 11 February 2026. Daytime highs are predicted to struggle to reach around 1°C between 12 and 18 February, increasing the risk of black ice on steep local roads such as Mount Ephraim and Grove Hill Road.
Kent County Council (KCC) said its salt bins are at full capacity and that its gritting crews are ready to treat priority routes, including the A21 Pembury bypass. KCC warned officials are particularly concerned about ice because the ground is saturated after a record‑breaking wet January.
Southeastern Railway has said it may run cold‑weather or emergency timetables and take other operational measures to reduce the risk of icing of the electrified third rail (conductor rail), which can cause delays for commuters into London. Local schools are monitoring local authority guidance and will decide on any closures if snow settles.
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