Storm Bert to bring heavy rain and strong winds - Leicestershire forecast hour-by-hour

Leicestershire is set to experience more wintry weather as Storm Bert approaches, with today's wintry showers set to give way to heavy rain and strong winds this weekend. Multiple weather warnings are in place across the county.

This afternoon (November 22) will see lingering wintry showers gradually ease across the county, with bright spells developing later today. However, conditions will deteriorate tonight as cloud moves in from the west, bringing rain and a risk of hill sleet in the early hours alongside strengthening winds.

The Met Office predicts heavy rain will begin at 6am tomorrow (Saturday, November 23), with temperatures rising from 3C to 14C over 24 hours. The heaviest downpours are expected between 7am and 10am, with a 95 per cent chance of rain forecast.

READ MORE: Christmas food and drink fair cancelled amid storm warning

The severe weather has already begun to impact events across the county, with Market Harborough's Christmas Food and Drink Fair among the events cancelled. The three-day event was due to safety concerns over high winds.

Forecasters predict any early snow on Saturday will quickly turn to rain with wind speeds set to steadily increase throughout the morning, reaching their peak of 21mph between 11am and 2pm. Strong gusts of up to 46mph are possible during this period.

The rain is expected to continue throughout the afternoon and evening, though becoming lighter after 2pm. Temperatures will continue to rise, reaching 13C by 8pm despite the persistent rainfall.

The unsettled conditions will continue into next week, with Sunday (November 24) remaining very windy under overcast skies and early morning showers. Monday (November 25) will stay very windy but largely dry and bright in the morning before scattered showers develop later.

The Met Office warns visibility will be poor during the morning's heavy rain before improving to "good" by the afternoon, with driving conditions expected to be difficult.

Forecasters predict a gradual improvement by Tuesday, with brighter conditions and lower wind speeds expected across the county.

Saturday's hour-by-hour forecast:

• 6am: Heavy rain begins, temperature at 3C

• 7am - 10am: Heaviest downpours with 95% chance of rain

• 8am: Early snow turns to rain as temperatures rise

• 11am - 2pm: Peak wind speeds of 21mph, with gusts up to 46mph

• 2pm onwards: Rain becomes lighter but continues

• 8pm: Temperature reaches 13C with lighter rain continuing

Sunday's forecast:

• Early morning: Very windy with showers and overcast skies

• Late morning: Showers begin to ease

• Afternoon: Staying cloudy with lighter showers

• Evening: Cloud increasing again

• Temperature: Maximum 14C

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