Spring is on its way despite Beast biting back again
THE Spring Equinox is almost upon us but, before we reach the point on Tuesday when we have roughly equal quantities of day and night, traditionally the forerunner to summer, there is yet another burst of winter to endure.
After Friday’s fledgling spring warmth was replaced yesterday by icy winds and wintry showers from the east, today will start with a frost in most parts, followed by bitter cold and the threat of more snow.
The Beast from the East has made a comeback that is about as welcome as the defeated Napoleon’s return from exile in Elba to have one more go at beating us at Waterloo. The low pressure from the Atlantic that has been keeping temperatures buoyant this past week as against the seasonal averages has been roughly pushed aside by an all-conquering high moving slowly westwards from Scandinavia.
The Arctic winds that blow clockwise round its core will come in from the east and hit eastern and southern parts of England worst. Don’t expect to get anywhere above 34F (1C) in Norwich and East Anglia, while even south-westerly Plymouth will struggle to 39F (4C). And snow is a very real possibility. If there is any respite to be had today it is up in Glasgow and Edinburgh with 43F (6C).
And that high will continue its glacial progress over the UK into the working week, making Monday no better than Sunday. Eventually it will make its way off out to sea, and open the door to a return of low pressure. Good news temperature-wise, as the mercury will rise, but there is a price to pay, with wet and windy conditions sufficient to deter all but the hardiest souls wanting to celebrate the Spring Equinox.