Leicestershire is set to face strong winds and rain today as gusts of up to 45mph sweep across the county. The Met Office is warning of wet and windy conditions today, and stronger winds on Sunday.
According to forecasters, light rain will continue to fall across the county throughout this afternoon (Friday, February 21), with temperatures reaching a mild 14C. The rain is expected to be particularly persistent across higher ground, with some drier intervals possible in eastern areas.
The conditions are set to ease temporarily into this evening, with forecasters predicting the rain will clear eastwards from mid-afternoon. However, strong southerly winds of up to 23mph will continue through much of the day before gradually decreasing overnight.
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National Highways has issued a warning to motorists as conditions worsen across the region. Officials said drivers should stay alert on motorways, particularly when travelling near high-sided vehicles and bikes.
Charnwood Borough Council announced this morning that The Outwoods and Queen's Park would remain closed all day due to the conditions. The authority said both Loughborough sites are expected to reopen on Saturday morning following safety checks, but warned they will likely close again on Sunday as more high winds are forecast.
Saturday (February 22) looks set to bring some respite, with forecasters predicting mainly dry and cloudy conditions and temperatures reaching 12C. The Met Office says there's a chance of isolated afternoon showers, with clear spells developing later but winds strengthening again overnight.
The break in weather will be short-lived though, as winds are expected to increase significantly on Sunday. Weather experts say gusts could potentially reach 47mph by Sunday afternoon (February 23), accompanied by rain.
Hourly Weather Forecast
- 10am: 13C, 10% chance of rain, wind 21mph
- 11am: 14C, 30% chance of rain, wind 22mph
- 12pm: 14C, 60% chance of rain, wind 23mph
- 1pm: 14C, 70% chance of rain, wind 23mph
- 2pm: 14C, 80% chance of rain, wind 23mph
- 3pm: 13C, 50% chance of rain, wind 22mph
- 4pm: 13C, 20% chance of rain, wind 19mph
- 5pm: 13C, 10% chance of rain, wind 16mph
- 6pm: 12C, 10% chance of rain, wind 13mph
- 7pm: 12C, 10% chance of rain, wind 11mph
- 8pm: 11C, 10% chance of rain, wind 10mph
- 9pm: 11C, <5% chance of rain, wind 9mph
- 10pm: 11C, <5% chance of rain, wind 8mph
- 11pm: 10C, 10% chance of rain, wind 7mph
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