The Met Office has warned residents in Portsmouth, Hampshire, to prepare for heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 40mph on February 20, 2026. This blustery weather is expected to be most intense during the late afternoon and early evening as a band of rain moves across the area.
The chance of rain is expected to reach 80 per cent at midday and again at 4:00 PM, which could cause spray on coastal roads and make walking on the seafront difficult. Drivers and boat operators are encouraged to check the latest conditions before travelling, while residents should secure any loose items outdoors.
High winds could also disrupt travel between Southsea and the Isle of Wight. Hovertravel services are at a high risk of being cancelled for the day because the operator often stops flights when wind gusts go above 35mph.
Ongoing work on the new sea defences is also being monitored during the bad weather. Portsmouth City Council and the King’s Harbour Master Portsmouth have confirmed that marine equipment used for the project is still in the water near the promenade, which remains closed to the public until the summer of 2026.
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