Honestly, if you've spent any time in Kent lately, you know the sky has a personality of its own. One minute you're thinking about a nice walk along the river, and the next, you're looking for the nearest awning. Right now, the weather forecast for Medway is showing us exactly why this corner of the UK keeps everyone on their toes.
It's currently Friday night, January 16, 2026, and the air is thick. We’re sitting at 45°F with a humidity level of 91%. That's that classic "damp cold" that feels much chillier than the thermometer suggests. A light breeze is coming in from the south at 7 mph, but don't let the "calm" fool you—the clouds are settled in for the long haul.
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The Immediate Outlook: Rain is the Guest That Won't Leave
Basically, if you have plans this weekend, keep the umbrella by the front door. Friday night is looking at a 25% chance of light rain, but the real story was the 75% soak we saw earlier today.
Tomorrow, Saturday, January 17, doesn't offer much of a break. We’re looking at a high of 49°F and a low of 42°F. It’s going to be cloudy with more light rain potential—about a 20% chance throughout the day and night. The wind shifts slightly to the southeast at 8 mph. It’s not a washout, but it’s definitely "grey-hoodie" weather.
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Looking Ahead: A Subtle Chill Creeps In
Sunday keeps the trend alive with a high of 50°F, though we might see a shift to "mostly cloudy" rather than total overcast. By the time we hit the middle of next week, things get interesting.
Tuesday, January 20, sees the mercury start to dip. We’re talking about a low of 36°F. But look at the overnight forecast: there’s a 10% chance of snow mixed in with the clouds. By Wednesday and Thursday, daytime highs drop into the low-to-mid 40s.
Is it a blizzard? No. But for Medway, those little blue icons on the weather app usually mean the gritters will be out on the A2.
Why the Medway Forecast is Actually Tricky
Most people think "it's just Kent, it’s always raining." Kinda true, but Medway’s geography—the way the river cuts through Rochester, Chatham, and Gillingham—creates these weird little micro-pockets.
Just yesterday, January 15, the Environment Agency had to issue multiple flood alerts for the River Medway. We’ve had a yellow warning for rain because the ground is already saturated from Storm Goretti. When the ground is this wet, even a "light shower" in the forecast can lead to standing water on the roads.
Practical Moves for the Week
- Check the River Levels: If you live near the Middle or Lower Medway (anywhere from Yalding to Allington Lock), keep an eye on the Environment Agency alerts. The ground isn't soaking up water like it should right now.
- Layer Up for Humidity: 90% humidity at 40 degrees feels like ice against the skin. Go for wind-resistant outer layers rather than just a thick knit.
- Plan for Travel Delays: With the light rain and potential for "winter mix" (rain/snow) by Tuesday night, the trains through Chatham and Rochester often see those annoying "slippery rail" delays. Give yourself an extra fifteen minutes.
The coming week is basically a slow slide from damp and mild to crisp and potentially frosty. We aren't out of the winter woods yet, but at least the days are getting a tiny bit longer.
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Actionable Next Steps:
Check your gutters tomorrow morning during the dry spells between the 20% rain chances. Saturated ground plus blocked drainage is a recipe for a damp basement or garden flooding. If you're commuting on Tuesday evening, double-check the Southeastern toolkit for any "ice on the line" updates before you head to the station.