Spring falls prey to wind feared by the ancients

According to Homer, there were four winds, each with its own named deity and particular characteristics.

From the south blew the winged god Notus, wet and wild and particularly associated with late summer storms. The east wind, Eurus, meanwhile was considered dry in comparison and warm enough to melt snow.

Then there was the west wind, Zephyrus, which while capable of blowing gently over the Elysian fields could also suddenly switch to stirring up devastating gales.

Finally, came the north wind, Boreas, which blew in strongly from the mountains of Thrace in brutal icy squalls.

Of all the combinations, it was the mingling of north and west which was deemed the most fearsome. In the

Iliad, Homer wrote of the “North Wind and West Wind blasting out of Thrace in sudden, lightning attack…”

Living on the British Isles and buffeted on all sides, we are, of course, masters of the vagaries of the wind. And you don’t need to bone up on the classics to know that a north-westerly spells trouble.

This weekend that ancient one-two has come for us again: snuffing out any notions of spring as polar air smothers the UK. You will have noticed a distinct chill in the air yesterday and that continues over the weekend. There will be blustery showers in between sunny spells and over high ground this could even turn to snow.

Temperatures will be around 3-6C colder than in recent days, and due to the north-westerly wind blowing over us will feel even chillier than that.

Spare a thought for those spring flowers poking their heads above the soil, because this morning is due to commence with a sharp frost across rural areas in particular. Tomorrow, expect more of the same.

At this stage of the year it often feels like an Odyssean struggle to reach spring. Nearly there… only to be buffeted back by the wind gods who have other ideas in store.

A surfer at Hartland Quay in north Devon