Kent
highs
In July (the warmest month on average) the highest average varies
from 20C (68F) on the coast to 22C (72F) inland. Most of the extreme
maximum temperatures are most likely to occur in July but they can
be recorded in June and August too. It was on August 10th last year
when the UK's hottest temperature was recorded at Brogdale near Faversham
- a sweltering 38.5C (101.3F)
In
1875 the highest temp of the year in Britain was recorded as early
as May and as late as September in 1895. The
highest midwinter temps are usually the result of a Fohn, where
mild air brought in on a south- or south-westerly air stream is
warmed as it sinks on the other side of the hill. So towns on the
north side of the North Downs can sometimes be a little warmer than
elsewhere. North-facing
resorts along the east coast, such as Herne Bay and Whitstable,
being backed by the Downs to the south, can feature in several of
the highest recorded spring and autumn temps. The
occurrence of many extreme spring, summer and autumn maximum temperatures
in the London area may not reflect the "urban effect"
so much as the fact that the capital is favourably sheltered to
the south by the North Downs. This is one of the reasons why Gravesend,
Dartford and Medway seem to be the warmest places in Kent. Record
high temperatures are usually preceded by a long period of dry warm
weather. The lack of ground moisture resulting from just such a
dry period means that a high proportion of the sun's energy is used
to heat the air rather than for evaporation. This contributes to
the temperatures rising.  Kent
Lows
In January the average minimum ranges from 2C to 0.5C or less inland,
with a few places less then 0C. Many extreme minimum temperatures
are recorded in January and February.
The
lowest known temperature recorded was -21.1C (-5.8F) at Bodiam on
20th Jan 1940.
Wind and rain | 
