Spring 2024

[GloriaSmud]

Although cold, snowy weather is still possible, we are a few weeks away from the start of meteorological spring (1st March)
So here are some thoughts from The Weather Outlook on what we might expect.

Looks like Europe is going to have a cold Easter looking at Portugal 🥶

Just starting to rain here in Warrington, again 😫

It's been cold, windy and quite a few heavy bursts of rain here. Looked like sleet at one point! I'm in South Wales. Longing for some warmth and dry weather now...

Same here in north Wales

Okay, so I have absolutely no idea where weather forecasters are getting their data from at the moment.

I got a lift into work this morning. Went out in completely the wrong clothes because of the forecast. Had a raincoat and a very thin cardigan over my top but even at lunchtime, walked to another meeting and was freezing . Just walked back from the station and royally pissed off. Needed hat and gloves as well as winter coat for that. how they can think it was anywhere near 13° today, at any point, is absolutely beyond me.

neighbours with dogs to walk are really pissed off as well. This idea that it’s mild is just mad. I think only one day predicted to be mild actually was.

I can plan properly if I have the right info. Just keep the big winter coat on until June I guess.

Trust the hawthorns (May blossom) and keep your coat handy until the hawthorn flowers come out. Mine's barely in leaf.

Hawthorn blossoms have been very early many years in London now.

Im in Essex and pretty sure I saw it in the woods at the weekend, full blossom.

Btw my raincoat has a lining. But today was more like 3 than 13.

In the North West all the white blossom is blackthorn (similar flowers but before the leaves)
We've had some warmish days but the wind is still icy.

@EmmaEmerald I agree with @InMySpareTime - unless yours have leaves too?
Blackthorn blossoms before its leaves start to show, whereas hawthorn flowers after its leaves have emerged. This is one of the best tips for identifying the two species in spring. Blackthorn usually flowers first, from around March to June.

There is an old phrase - Ne'er cast a clout until May (blossom) is out.
Hawthorn flowers is called may blossom, clout is cloth/clothing, ie coat.

It's snowing quite heavily in Plymouth. Rained all evening and now snow

Wait... What?!?!? No!!! No snow allowed, the poor Easter bunny will freeze to death! 😱

Easter bunny better have his thermals packed. This was unexpected- some snow on Dartmoor earlier today, but rare for Plymouth to get any!!!

The snow rapidly melted this morning - since then we have had torrential rain, thunder, lightening, hail, blue sky and sun! Definitely 4 seasons in 1 day!!!

We had all those and sleet!

Sounds like Thor and the Easter Bunny were having a weather stand off. Hopefully Bunny wins for this weekend 🐇🐣💪

London and SE. Lots of rain and strong wind.

South east is on tornado watch, extremely gusty where I am

Wet, wet, wet, here no wind. Some over night snow further west

It's certainly been a wild day today for many, with thunderstorms, hail and high winds. Felt more like a November storm than a late March one.

@OhYouBadBadKitten

Yes it's feeling quite wild now, rain and very loud wind?

Felt more like a November storm than a late March one.
Reminds me of another old saying.

If it (March) comes in like a lamb it goes out like a lion
If it comes in like a lion, it goes out like a lamb.

I'm guessing we are hearing the lion roaring as March turns to April. Just in time for April showers to start < runs >

It Is very windy. I can hear things being blown around in the garden.

Next week forecast looks more like November than March.

Oh joy we have three grandchildren next week was hoping to get them out.