Warm spell on way in run-up to Easter break

The wet and windy weather is finally behind us, and Derbyshire can look forward to some sunnier spells as the week wears on - with a potential for some very warm weather next week.

Sunny spells will start to become a firmer feature by the weekend but, importantly, the short-term outlook offers plenty of dry weather, as high pressure finally starts to dominate.

Temperatures throughout this week will be average at best, often feeling cooler in the breeze.

But, throughout the working week, sunny spells will break through from time to time, and there’s enough strength in the sun now to make it feel very pleasant.

Today will follow a similar theme, with a few showers possible later on, before more sunny spells arrive for Friday - but with a chilly northeasterly breeze keeping temperatures down.

This cool breeze should die off for the weekend and, while the cloud will remain, it will break from time-to-time, offering some pleasant sunny spells on Saturday and Sunday.

Then it’s all eyes on next week as the dry, settled theme continues.

Cloudy skies will still be a feature and the odd shower cannot be ruled out, but it currently looks set to warm up towards Thursday.

So, while nothing is set in stone, we could see some fine spring weather as we near the end of the month and the easter break.

■ The National Trust is urging Britons to emulate Japan’s hanami celebration – the ancient tradition of viewing blossom – every year.

It hopes that the sight of blooms will help to lift spirits and enable people to celebrate nature.

A YouGov poll commissioned by the conservation organisation found 36% of adults were more aware of the changing seasons compared to the first lockdown. A total of 65% said watching nature from their window had helped their mood, while 47% told how they are spending more time in nature.

■ Weather: Page 27