Portsmouth has 70 per cent chance of icy conditions and heavy snow from this weekend

FREEZING temperatures and heavy snow may hit Portsmouth this weekend.
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The Met Office is forecasting potential icy conditions and snow from 6pm on Sunday – a decade after the city was covered in snow, as was the rest of the country, during the 2010 snowstorm.

The weather organisation has put out a Level 2 alert for the south and midlands from Sunday until Tuesday.

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A weather warning issued this morning read: ‘There is a 70 per cent probability of severe cold weather/icy conditions/heavy snow between 6pm on Sunday (January 19) and 6pm on Tuesday (January 21) in parts of England. This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services. Please refer to the national Cold Weather Plan and your Trust's emergency plan for appropriate preventive action.

A forecast from the Met Office issued today at 8.47amA forecast from the Met Office issued today at 8.47am
A forecast from the Met Office issued today at 8.47am

‘High pressure will build across the country over the weekend and into early next week. This will bring a spell of dry weather and light winds, with overnight frosts becoming widespread.

‘The cold overnight temperatures will be offset by generally fine daytime conditions with sunny spells. However, fog patches will develop across central and southern areas Sunday night into Monday, suppressing daytime temperatures in places where slow to clear. Later Monday and into Tuesday, freezing fog may become more widespread although confidence decreases.

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‘Some cloudier conditions are also expected to spread southwards and bring less cold conditions, but the speed of this progress is a little uncertain at present.’

Nelson’s Monument, Portsdown Hill 2010

Looking up Nelson Lane toward the Nelson Monument in the snow of 2010.Nelson’s Monument, Portsdown Hill 2010

Looking up Nelson Lane toward the Nelson Monument in the snow of 2010.
Nelson’s Monument, Portsdown Hill 2010 Looking up Nelson Lane toward the Nelson Monument in the snow of 2010.
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A level 2 alert is triggered by the Met Office as soon as the risk is 60 per cent or above for any of the thresholds to be breached.

An update will be issued when the alert level changes in any region.

The Met Office has released the following advice:

- Prolonged periods of cold weather can be dangerous, especially for older people, those with underlying health conditions, and young children. If you’re able, ask if your friends, family or neighbours need any support.

- Stock up foods and medicines so you don’t have to go out too much when it’s cold or icy.

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- When indoors, stay warm, heat homes to at least 18 degrees, and keep up-to-date with the weather forecast.

- If you want more information about how cold weather can affect your health please visit the NHS website. If you are concerned about your health or somebody you care for, advice can be obtained from NHS Winter Health, NHS or your local pharmacist.

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