Weather in the general media (Newspaper features etc)

[Summer Sun]

HOTTEST MARCH DAY FOR 7 YEARS

BRITAIN will bask in the hottest March day for seven years tomorrow with temperatures expected to soar to 75.2F (24C). There is even a chance the UK could top the March record of 78F set in 1968 in Mepal, Cambs. Forecasters said glorious sunshine and Mediterranean heat, which has packed out beaches and parks since Friday, could last until the weekend. Parts of the UK have even been ­hotter than Wailea, Hawaii, which only managed to peak at 70F.

On Sunday a balmy 73F was ­recorded at Fyvie Castle, near ­Aberdeen – the hottest in Scotland for this time of year for 55 years. The Met Office said the heatwave is due to high pressure and warm ­breezes from the Med and Africa. Netweather forecasters said ­yesterday: “Much of the UK will have another dry, sunny and warm week. Wednesday will see little change, with more unbroken sunshine, temperatures perhaps more widely in the low 20s and it could turn out to be the warmest day of the year so far.â€

Leon Brown, meteorologist at The Weather Channel, said the mercury could nudge 75.2F tomorrow in the North-east, eastern Scotland and Wales. He said: “High pressure is set to bring more exceptionally warm and sunny weather this week but turning much colder by the weekend.†The warm weather has meant cherry blossom has bloomed four weeks early. Kay Haw, from the W­oodland Trust, said: “The cherry blossom is a magnificent sight and a great indicator spring has arrived.â€However, the heatwave has meant misery for farmers and water companies desperate for rain to avert a drought disaster.

Jim Dale, meteorologist at the ­British Weather Services, said the next two months “have to deliverâ€.

HEAT ON FOR BRITS

BRITAIN is hotter than Hawaii as African breezes deliver the longest ever March heatwave. These babes took to the sands in Barry, south Wales, as beaches and parks were busy for the fourth day in a row yesterday. Met Office experts said high pressure and breezes from north Africa and the Med produced cloudless skies for the whole country, with temperatures up to 23C (73F).

http://www.dailystar...t-on-for-Brits/

Sun, sea, lambs and swaying palm trees! Britain to bask for THREE more days.... but heatwave will end just in time for Easter holidays

High temperatures and dry weather set to stay until Friday with mercury hitting 21C today and 23 tomorrow

Forecasters predict temperatures will dip to 12C at weekend but with little chance of rain amid drought warnings

Good news for those who feared the weekend’s glorious weather would disappear as soon as it arrived - the beautiful sunshine is now expected to last until at least Friday.

The Met Office predicted highs of up to 21C across the country today and the mercury will hit 23 tomorrow - matching yesterday's hottest day of the year so far.

But forecasters predict the the warm spell will end on Saturday - just in time for the school Easter holidays.

Although, despite temperatures dropping to 12, there is still little sign of any rain - prompting new drought warnings.Temperatures are likely to pick up mid-week, but only as high as 16C.

http://www.dailymail...l#ixzz1qLYe4tSc

Britain hotter than Bermuda, Mercury to hit 23°C tomorrow

BRITAIN is set to bask is temperatures of more than 23°C (73°F) tomorrow — making it hotter than Turkey, Portugal and Bermuda.

Cherry blossoms have appeared on trees four weeks early thanks to the hot weather. And today sun-seeking Brits spent the day on the beach to make the most of the balmy end to March before temperatures fall at the weekend for the start of the Easter holidays. Bikini-clad sunbathers enjoyed soaking up the rays in Langland Bay near Swansea, South Wales, West Wittering in West Sussex, and St Austell, Cornwall. This year's record UK temperature was only set on Monday when temperatures hit 23.2°C at Cromdale in the Highlands.

Met Office forecaster Sarah Holland said: "It is very mild and a nice change for March. "In the next couple of days the temperatures will be above average and dry and sunny. "Later in the week the temperatures will be in the high teens, with more cloud and changeable weather. "The weekend will see a return to more normal temperatures for this time of year. They will still be in double figures but people will notice the change."

http://www.thesun.co...row-at-23C.html

Fire ravages UK's biggest cemetery, Drought made conditions a 'tinderbox'

FIRE raged at Britain's largest cemetery today devastating woodland.

Trees bone dry went up in flames as much of Britain laboured under a worsening state of drought. The blaze was raging over 17 acres of the 500-acre Brookwood Cemetery near Woking, Surrey.

The cause is not yet known.

Fire service Area Manager Alan Clark said: "The lack of rain and tinderbox-dry conditions provide the perfect recipe for wildfires. "Once they start they can spread quickly, making wildfires notoriously difficult to control."

The cemetery - laid out in 1854 as the London Necropolis - is so large it has its own station.

http://www.thesun.co...ing-Surrey.html

Edited March 27, 2012 by Gavin D

[Summer Sun]

DROUGHT LEAVES HALF OF BRITAIN IN WATER CRISIS

ALMOST half of Britain now faces devastating water shortages with supplies at critically low levels.

Weeks of virtually no rainfall have decimated river and underground sources leaving the country in the worst drought for 124 years.

The Environment Agency will today announce that parts of Yorkshire, the largest county, are officially in drought following the hottest March for seven years.

That could mean 4.7 million house­ holds will be hit by hosepipe bans by the summer.

And experts warn the entire country could face similar water restrictions in a matter of weeks.

Trevor Bishop, the Environment Agency’s head of water resources, said they were striving to balance the water needs of the community and of the environment.

The official drought zone now includes parts of North Yorkshire, East Yorkshire and South Yorkshire, as well as a whole swathe of the country stretching from Bournemouth on the south coast to Scarborough, affecting 27 million people.

That is already more than half of England’s 52 million population.

Yorkshire Water spokesman Matt Thompson said: “We need rain, and soon, to replenish water stocks.â€

British Weather Services said: “We really do need April to pour down to replenish the water reserves. We need weeks of rain but it is too early to tell whether this will arrive.â€

- Despite the threat of a fine, almost a fifth of home owners – 17 per cent – said they will ignore hosepipe bans, accord­ing to a survey for the DIY retail chain B & Q. Another 85 per cent said they would not report those who flout it.

http://www.express.c...in-water-crisis

PARCHED LAND IS SCORCHED IN ARSON ATTACK

WITH shrubs still in flames, a firefighter stands amid the devastation of a heathland blaze which 17 officers battled for five hours.

Weeks of no rain and above-average temperatures have left parts of the country tinderbox dry, with dozens of grass fires reported in recent days.

This fire, started by arsonists, soon spread across 15 acres in Newport, South Wales.

Families living nearby were forced to use hosepipes to tackle the flames as they came closer to their homes.

They reported plumes of black smoke, with one couple saying the fire – only yards from their property – was the biggest they had seen.

23C HOTTER THAN THE MED!

SUNBATHERS popped on shades and bikinis as the UK saw temperatures hotter than the Mediterranean yesterday.

Among them were students Bethan Prosser, 18, and pal Megan Griffiths, 17, at Langland Bay near Swansea. The Met Office said that temperatures peaked at 23.6C at Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, Britain’s hottest March 27 ever recorded.

In the Italian city of Naples, on the Med, it was just 22C. And it is expected to be even hotter here today. Weather Channel expert Leon Brown said: “We could see 24C in the south.â€

http://www.dailystar...-than-the-med-/

Blazing hot Britain! As temperatures soar, parched countryside is catching fire

A fireman marches through the still smouldering trees and darkly scorched earth in a scene reminiscent of the aftermath of an Australian bush fire.

Elsewhere, flames and billowing smoke rise from what looks like a battlefield and paint the night sky.

These extraordinary pictures tell the story of a nation in the grip of drought yesterday – Britain’s hottest day of the year so far – when the tinder-dry conditions suddenly erupted in a series of wild fires.

http://www.dailymail...l#ixzz1qOhuK2A6

[Summer Sun]

Hot British Weather 'Sparks Fires'

Warm weather and tinderbox conditions have been blamed on an outbreak of fires across the country.

One blaze razed parts of Britain's largest cemetery on Tuesday, as dry conditions made it a "perfect recipe" for outbreaks. Fires have been reported elsewhere across the South East, and parts of North Yorkshire, Lancashire, Wales and Scotland. More than 17 acres of the 500-acre Brookwood Cemetery in Surrey, where more than 235,000 people have been buried since 1854, were blackened.

Historical consultant John Clarke said: "The majority of the fire was centred on the adjoining heathland.

"We would like to reassure anyone concerned about damage to memorials that it is largely the turf that has been fire-damaged." More than 40 firefighters tackled the flames, as many parts of the UK sweltered in temperatures above 20C. Fire service area manager Alan Clark said: "The lack of rain and tinderbox dry conditions provide the perfect recipe for wildfires.

http://news.sky.com/...rticle/16197951

Edited March 28, 2012 by Gavin D

[Coast]

Oh dear, oh dear, oh deary deary me.........

Getting in the sun while they can: Britons bask in glorious weather ... but SNOW is coming for Easter

Like many other Britons across the country, Charlotte Bentham made the most of the glorious sunshine yesterday, basking in the blazing heat with an icecream cone. Lying in a field of stunning red flowers in Stratford Upon Avon, Charlotte was just one of thousands to hit local beauty spots to enjoy the unusually warm March. But make the most of it while you can - for while many have been soaking up the sun on beaches and parks around the country, as usual the clouds will roll in just in time for the weekend to provide us with a more traditional start to April.The weather is expected to change as schools break up for Easter with temperatures dipping to 12C and rain showers in the north of England.

Next week the weather is due to be more unsettled with rain and even sleet and snow in the north and overnight frosts. The Mediterranean-style weather may be good for our collective psyche, but it is not so good for our water-tables and wildlife, with parts of Yorkshire now officially confirmed as suffering from drought. While photos of the area seem to show members of the public enjoying a pleasant walk through woodland, they are actually walking through a river-bed which is now depleted after a lack of rainfall in the last few months. 'Tomorrow it is going to be a cloudy day in north-west Scotland with some patchy drizzle at times.

'Elsewhere, it is going to be another dry and fine day with plenty of sunshine. It is going to be another warm day with temperatures above average for this time of year. 'Friday will be cloudy in Northern Ireland, west Scotland, north-west England and northern Wales with patchy drizzle expected in north-west Scotland and northernmost areas in Northern Ireland. 'Elsewhere, once any early mist patches have lifted, it will be a dry and warm day with lengthy spells of sunshine. 'Saturday will be a rather cloudy day for England with some patchy drizzle at times. 'Northern parts of Scotland will be cloudy with showers, these falling as sleet and snow over high ground. 'Northern Ireland will be dry with variable cloud. 'Wales will see morning drizzle but turning drier and brighter during the afternoon.'

Across the country, the heat has led to grass-fires, as flames - in places thought to be caused by arsonists - spread out of control thanks to dry conditions. In Newport, South Wales, flames raged across 15 acres of scrubland yesterday, coming just yards from homes. Firemen battled for more than five hours to control the fire, which is believed to have been started by arsonists near a children’s park. Residents were forced to use garden hose pipes to keep away the blaze, which at times licked their properties. Fire service area manager Alan Clark said wildfires were notoriously difficult to control, adding: 'These fires cause devastation to the countryside, wildlife and property.

'They pose a risk to life, both to the public and the firefighters tackling these blazes.' Each year, there are around 79,000 wildfires in the UK - an average of 216 per day. The lack of water has led to stocks of drinking water being diverted into East Yorkshire, with Yorkshire Water asking customers to take shorter showers and avoid wasting water. Met Office spokesman Charles Powell said: 'Wednesday and Thursday most of the UK will see fine and sunny weather with temperatures between 20C and 22C.

'But the high pressure which has been giving us this lovely warm weather will then move to the west so there will be less warm air and more cloud and cooler temperatures. 'By Saturday the temperatures will be down to 12C and 13C. We will still get some bright weather but we will lose the wall-to-wall sunshine we have enjoyed.

Looking ahead, the Met Office predicted an unsettled start to next week with a risk of rain, and potential snowfall over the hills. Meteogroup forecasters said that most of Britain will have most of Thursday to enjoy the sun, but the North will turn cooler later in the day, and temperatures will cool from their 20C highs by Friday. A spokesman said: 'The north-west of Scotland will turn increasingly cloudy with a little drizzle at times. 'Elsewhere, it is going to be a dry night with lengthy clear spells. A few mist patches will develop, especially in the south-east and East Anglia.

Swathes of East and South Yorkshire from Chesterfield up to Scarborough are officially suffering from drought, with areas around Sheffield, Doncaster, Hull and Driffield affected. The areas join the South East and eastern England in drought, most of which has been affected since earlier this year, although parts of East Anglia have been suffering drought conditions since last summer. Earlier this month, seven water companies across east and southern England announced hosepipe bans would come into force before Easter in a bid to conserve water supplies in the face of two unusually dry winters. But while the rivers Don, Rother, Hull and Derwent are at low or very low levels for the time of year, the Environment Agency said public water supplies were unlikely to be affected in the region.

Yorkshire Water - which serves 4.7million customers - said it did not anticipate any restrictions such as hosepipe bans at the moment. The company said its reservoirs were at 94 per cent, which was normal for the time of year, but groundwater levels in East Yorkshire were around a fifth below usual levels. As a result, the amount of water being taken from aquifers had been reduced and Hull’s water supply was being supported by water drawn from the River Derwent. In a statement, the company said: 'As the dry weather continues, we will be keeping the local water resource situation under constant review. 'Our regional water supply system gives us flexibility, what it doesn’t give us is an unlimited supply of water, so we would always encourage our customers to only use what they need, when they need it.'

Some parts of Yorkshire have seen the driest 12 months since 1910 and river levels are continuing to fall, prompting the Environment Agency to urge farmers and businesses taking water from rivers to use supplies wisely. Trevor Bishop, head of water resources, said: 'South and east Yorkshire have moved into official drought status, reflecting the impact that this extremely dry period is having on the environment in the area.

'The Environment Agency must balance the water needs of people, farmers, businesses and the environment and we are working with businesses, farmers and water companies to plan ahead to meet the challenges of a continued drought.' The news of drought conditions spreading to Yorkshire comes after the Environment Agency warned that drought would affect more parts of the country without well-above average rainfall in the coming weeks.

http://www.dailymail...l#ixzz1qUBJm9b7

[Summer Sun]

Lol it won't snow at Easter the Daily Express have cursed it, remember what they said in October last year anyone?

SUN MELTS AWAY TO GIVE US SNOW AT EASTER

BRITAIN faces a white Easter as forecasters warn snow could hit parts of the country by next week. In a bizarre twist to the recent hot weather, Scotland and the North could be hit by wintry showers over the holiday weekend. It follows the hottest day of the year being recorded in Britain in Aboyne, near Aberdeen, on Tuesday, which hit 74.1F (23.6C).

The Met Office said there was a chance of snow or sleet on high ground from Good Friday. Forecaster Sarah Holland said: “It is actually more common to see snow at Easter than Christmas.†It will come as a stark contrast to the summer-like weather the country has enjoyed for the past week. The temperature across England next week will fall to just 48F in the North and 50F in parts of the South. April could turn out to be a damp squib with much cooler temperatures, forecasters said.

http://www.express.c...-snow-at-Easter

DROUGHT-HIT RACING FANS TO GET HUMP

BRITAIN is so parched that organisers of an ­historic horse race have drafted in camels. Dry conditions have made the rock-hard ground too ­dangerous for horses. Bosses of the annual Easter ­Monday point-to-point meeting in Marks Tey, Essex, have turned to desert-loving camels to keep punters happy. And as temperatures across ­Britain kept rising yesterday, sports fans were warned the lack of rain could mean cancellations of golf matches, sailing competitions and tennis matches.

New March temperature records were set at Northolt, west London, with 22.1C and at Church Fenton, Leeming, ­Pateley Bridge and Ravensworth, all North Yorks, with 21C. St James’s Park, London, hit 22.6C, not far off Tuesday’s hottest March 27 on record, 23.6C at Aboyne, Aberdeenshire. Despite drought worries, psychologists said the hot spell has got the nation smiling again.

Professor Cary Cooper, president of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, said: “The heatwave is having the ­opposite affect of Seasonal Affective Disorder when people feel depressed in winter. “They are now more positive and friendly.†The Met Office says high temperatures will continue today and Friday.

But England will fall back to an average 9C in the north and 10C in the south-east by ­Sunday. And the Scots face a shock with sleet, hail and snow on high ground at the weekend and at lower ­levels next week.

http://www.dailystar...ns-to-get-hump/

[Summer Sun]

Sunny Spell To End As Rain And Snow Loom

Britons have been warned to keep their winter woollies close by - as temperatures are set to plunge next week.

After the lengthy spell of settled weather across the UK, many have been lulled into a belief of an early summer. After such a spectacular week of sunshine and warmth, record warmth for the time of year in Scotland, a big change is on the way," Sky News weather presenter Isobel Lang said.

"Looking ahead to next week and temperatures will be nearer 8 or 9C with outbreaks of rain, and perhaps some hill snow.

"Contrasts will be most noticeable in Scotland where a new March temperature record of 23.6C was recorded in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire on Tuesday." While some may mourn the loss of the record-breaking sunny spell, others hope a return to rain will help ease spreading drought fears.

With the current dry spell's outbreaks of fire across the UK, next week's rain is needed by parched areas. Lang said: "Hopefully the drought-stricken parts of eastern and southeast England will receive some rain - but will it help?

"Although not much rain is likely this weekend, perhaps a little drizzle on Saturday, some more persistent rain may spread south during Monday and Tuesday."

http://news.sky.com/home/uk-news/article/16198573

[Eugene]

Well GFS 12Z definately brings the risk of wintriness for the north over easter weekend into early week.

[Summer Sun]

WINTER CHILL SET TO RETURN AFTER FLAMING MARCH

SIZZLING Britain has basked in the third hottest March for more than 350 years – although it is all set to change at the weekend.

The average temperature in central England this month so far has been 47F (8.4C), almost 3C higher than normal for the time of year. This has only been beaten twice – in 1938, when the average was 48.4F (9.1C), and 1957, with an average of 48.6F (9.2C). But as Britain nudged 73F (23C) yesterday forecasters warned that winter is not over – with snow on the way for parts of the UK tomorrow. Scotland and the North could be hit by wintry showers with up to six inches of snow on higher ground in Scotland on Monday.

The north of England, including the Pennines, is also at risk of flurries as the unseasonably high temperatures plunge. There is also the chance of snow or sleet on high ground over the Easter weekend. Looking towards Easter, the Met Office said: “It will be less settled than of late with showers or longer spells of rain across northern parts, with sleet or snow over hills and perhaps wintry showers in the far North.†Weather Channel meteorologist Leon Brown said temperatures this weekend could plunge.

He said: “Winter’s not over yet. Snow is likely over the Scottish Highlands on Monday, with snow over the Pennines by Tuesday morning.†The change follows a week of almost summer-like temperatures which have packed out beaches and parks. But while glorious sunshine has been welcomed by most, it has spelt misery for water firms and farmers desperate for rain. Dry conditions have also led to a spate of forest fires. Reservoirs, rivers and underground water stocks are now at critically low levels as half of England is officially in drought.

Researchers at Reading University say the South needs 16 inches of rain between now and August – twice the average – to get back to normal.

http://www.express.c...r-flaming-March

Britain on course for third warmest March on record as nation enjoys the EIGHTH straight day of wall-to-wall sunshine

Only 1938 and 1957 have seen higher March averages as temperature set to hit 21C today

Also on course to be the fifth driest March since records began

But we are paying price with drought as only 38 per cent of usual rain fell during the month

Clouds expected to roll over Britain tomorrow as forecasters warn: ‘Winter’s not over yet’

Experts predict snow in Scotland and could it fall as far south as Pennines by Tuesday

Since records began in 1910, only 1938 and 1957 have enjoyed warmer Marches. Rainfall was below normal for most of the UK, increasing the risk that the drought in the South, East and Yorkshire could spread in the next few months.

The UK got an average of 36mm (1.4in) over the month. England was the driest part of the country with just 26.3mm (1in) or 39 per cent of its March average, while Wales got 32mm (1.3in) or 27 per cent of its normal rainfall for the time of year. Scotland had 55.7mm (2.2in) or 40 per cent of its normal March rainfall.

After two dry winters - and without good early spring rainfalls to top up underground aquifers and reservoirs - groundwater levels are low. Seven water companies in the South and South-East are imposing hosepipe bans next week.

Dan Williams of the Met Office said this March ‘looks like being the fifth driest on record, with only 1953, 1944, 1931 and 1921 in front’. The month was also far sunnier than normal, with England getting 152 hours of sunshine - around 50 hours more than average for the time of year.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2122622/UK-warn-weather-Britain-course-3rd-warmest-March-record-sunshine-continues.html

[Coast]

I love Newspaper headlines!!!

Snow for Easter after the sunshine

The big chill will return to Britain next week with a cold front set to sweep the country.

fter what has been the third warmest March on record, poor weather will arrive on Monday bringing possible sleet or snow in the north, forecasters said. Temperatures on Monday could reach 14C (57F) in London, but may be as low as 8C (46F) in Scotland with icy conditions in the mountains. It comes after much of the UK sweltered in temperatures of above 20C (68F) this week, compared to average March temperatures of 9C (48F). It is thought to be the third warmest March since records began 350 years ago.

In Southampton temperatures peaked at 23 (74F), equalling a previous March 28 record set in 1965. Clare Allen, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, said the change will be caused by a cold front sweeping away the high pressure.

She stressed that the picture is still uncertain, but said snow at the beginning of April is not unusual.

"At the moment, the models look like there will be a cold front clearing southwards across the country after the weekend. "That will carry rain, and the back edge could turn to sleet or snow. There may be wintry showers behind this cold front, but it should be confined to northern hills, including over the Pennines."

Over the weekend it will be a bit cooler. London will see a maximum of 13C (55F) and temperatures will stay lower during the week. It will generally be cloudy everywhere, with some sunshine breaking through, and patchy drizzle. Leon Brown, the Weather Channel meteorologist, said the big chill will return. “Winter’s not over yet. There’s a big temperature drop this weekend and especially next week, with north-east Scotland more than 15C colder than this week at just 7-8C on Saturday. “Snow is likely over the Scottish Highlands on Monday, with as much as 10-15cm of snow over the Cairngorms, with snow over the Pennines by Tuesday morning.â€

http://www.telegraph...e-sunshine.html

[Summer Sun]

Front page on today's Daily Express

EASTER ARCTIC FREEZE ON WAY

WINTER will roar back in the run-up to Easter with temperatures as low as -9C and even snow, forecasters said last night. After nearly a fortnight of glorious sunshine and blue skies which people flocked to enjoy on beaches and in parks, the weather is expected to take a turn for the worse from today. Temperatures will fall from a peak of 73F (23C) on Thursday to a low of -9C by mid-week, a difference of 32C. Pleasant 59F daytime temperatures yesterday will drop to a chilly average of 45F by Wednesday lunchtime. Experts said the topsy-turvy climate was caused by a shift in wind patterns. Warm continental air will be replaced by bitter Arctic winds from the North Pole. After the third hottest March since records began 350 years ago – 47F was the average for the month – the plunge in temperatures will come as a shock.

Independent forecaster Netweather said temperatures would drop to freezing tomorrow in the North with lows of -9C at night in remote areas by Wednesday. Parts of Scotland and northern England face widespread overnight frosts from Tuesday with up to six inches of snow likely on high ground.

Former BBC forecaster Michael Fish said cooler air would flood southwards during today. But he added: “That is nothing compared to how cold it is looking to get over Scandinavia and Russia, really cold there, winter coming back with a vengeance with a lot of snow.†The Met Office said next week would bring the risk of snow and Arctic winds.

Forecaster Charlie Powell said: “There is going to be quite a significant change. This is largely due to the unusual period it follows but it is going to get a lot colder.†He said freezing overnight temperatures could lead to icy roads. “As it has been so warm, the road temperatures will be quite high, so it might not be too much of a problem.â€

http://www.express.c...c-freeze-on-way

RIVERS LOWEST FOR 36 YEARS

BRITAIN’S drought crisis has left river levels at their lowest for more than 30 years, environment chiefs said last night. Two in three rivers are “exceptionally low†after another week with virtually no rainfall.

The Met Office says it will stay dry next week with no sign of sustained rain in April.

The Environment Agency said rivers are at similar levels to 1976, a year of severe drought. Helen Vale, national drought coordinator, said: “It is more important than ever that we all use water wisely and use less of it.â€

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/311649/Rivers-lowest-for-36-years

[rob48]

Front page on today's Daily Express

EASTER ARCTIC FREEZE ON WAY

WINTER will roar back in the run-up to Easter with temperatures as low as -9C and even snow, forecasters said last night. After nearly a fortnight of glorious sunshine and blue skies which people flocked to enjoy on beaches and in parks, the weather is expected to take a turn for the worse from today. Temperatures will fall from a peak of 73F (23C) on Thursday to a low of -9C by mid-week, a difference of 32C. Pleasant 59F daytime temperatures yesterday will drop to a chilly average of 45F by Wednesday lunchtime. Experts said the topsy-turvy climate was caused by a shift in wind patterns. Warm continental air will be replaced by bitter Arctic winds from the North Pole. After the third hottest March since records began 350 years ago – 47F was the average for the month – the plunge in temperatures will come as a shock.

Independent forecaster Netweather said temperatures would drop to freezing tomorrow in the North with lows of -9C at night in remote areas by Wednesday. Parts of Scotland and northern England face widespread overnight frosts from Tuesday with up to six inches of snow likely on high ground.

Former BBC forecaster Michael Fish said cooler air would flood southwards during today. But he added: “That is nothing compared to how cold it is looking to get over Scandinavia and Russia, really cold there, winter coming back with a vengeance with a lot of snow.†The Met Office said next week would bring the risk of snow and Arctic winds.

Forecaster Charlie Powell said: “There is going to be quite a significant change. This is largely due to the unusual period it follows but it is going to get a lot colder.†He said freezing overnight temperatures could lead to icy roads. “As it has been so warm, the road temperatures will be quite high, so it might not be too much of a problem.â€

http://www.express.c...c-freeze-on-way

RIVERS LOWEST FOR 36 YEARS

BRITAIN’S drought crisis has left river levels at their lowest for more than 30 years, environment chiefs said last night. Two in three rivers are “exceptionally low†after another week with virtually no rainfall.

The Met Office says it will stay dry next week with no sign of sustained rain in April.

The Environment Agency said rivers are at similar levels to 1976, a year of severe drought. Helen Vale, national drought coordinator, said: “It is more important than ever that we all use water wisely and use less of it.â€

http://www.express.c...st-for-36-years

Thank goodness for all that high pressure you're so fond of.

Maybe you'll spot the connection?

Edited March 31, 2012 by rob48

[Methuselah]

Front page on today's Daily Express

EASTER ARCTIC FREEZE ON WAY

WINTER will roar back in the run-up to Easter with temperatures as low as -9C and even snow, forecasters said last night. After nearly a fortnight of glorious sunshine and blue skies which people flocked to enjoy on beaches and in parks, the weather is expected to take a turn for the worse from today. Temperatures will fall from a peak of 73F (23C) on Thursday to a low of -9C by mid-week, a difference of 32C. Pleasant 59F daytime temperatures yesterday will drop to a chilly average of 45F by Wednesday lunchtime. Experts said the topsy-turvy climate was caused by a shift in wind patterns. Warm continental air will be replaced by bitter Arctic winds from the North Pole. After the third hottest March since records began 350 years ago – 47F was the average for the month – the plunge in temperatures will come as a shock.

Independent forecaster Netweather said temperatures would drop to freezing tomorrow in the North with lows of -9C at night in remote areas by Wednesday. Parts of Scotland and northern England face widespread overnight frosts from Tuesday with up to six inches of snow likely on high ground.

Former BBC forecaster Michael Fish said cooler air would flood southwards during today. But he added: “That is nothing compared to how cold it is looking to get over Scandinavia and Russia, really cold there, winter coming back with a vengeance with a lot of snow.†The Met Office said next week would bring the risk of snow and Arctic winds.

Forecaster Charlie Powell said: “There is going to be quite a significant change. This is largely due to the unusual period it follows but it is going to get a lot colder.†He said freezing overnight temperatures could lead to icy roads. “As it has been so warm, the road temperatures will be quite high, so it might not be too much of a problem.â€

http://www.express.c...c-freeze-on-way

RIVERS LOWEST FOR 36 YEARS

BRITAIN’S drought crisis has left river levels at their lowest for more than 30 years, environment chiefs said last night. Two in three rivers are “exceptionally low†after another week with virtually no rainfall.

The Met Office says it will stay dry next week with no sign of sustained rain in April.

The Environment Agency said rivers are at similar levels to 1976, a year of severe drought. Helen Vale, national drought coordinator, said: “It is more important than ever that we all use water wisely and use less of it.â€

http://www.express.c...st-for-36-years

No need to panic. Just keep plenty of pairs of snowshoes in the garage - but not to close to the jerrycans!

[Summer Sun]

It could never last: Arctic blast to push early spring sunshine out of the way with the mercury plummeting to -11C

Clouds ready to return ... just in time for the weekend, with snow forecast over Easter

Chances of snow in the Scottish Highlands by Tuesday

Braemar in the Cairngorms expected to see lowest temperature as mercury drops to -11C

After days of glorious sunshine, Britain is set to be hit by a wave of wintry weather - with temperatures halving across much of the UK and even dropping to as low as -11C in some parts.

Forecasters predict that this weekend will be less settled than recent days, with rain likely to affect most areas and temperatures dropping to 13C in London.

Met Office spokesman Charles Powell said: 'By Saturday the temperatures will be down to 12C and 13C. We will still get some bright weather but we will lose the wall-to-wall sunshine we have enjoyed.

Netweather is also predicting large parts of northern England, the whole of Scotland and Wales to experience below freezing conditions while the rest of the country could see widespread ground frost.

Some parts of Yorkshire have seen the driest 12 months since 1910 and river levels are continuing to fall, prompting the Environment Agency to urge farmers and businesses taking water from rivers to use supplies wisely. Trevor Bishop, head of water resources, said: 'South and east Yorkshire have moved into official drought status, reflecting the impact that this extremely dry period is having on the environment in the area. The Environment Agency must balance the water needs of people, farmers, businesses and the environment and we are working with businesses, farmers and water companies to plan ahead to meet the challenges of a continued drought.' The news of drought conditions spreading to Yorkshire comes after the Environment Agency warned that drought would affect more parts of the country without well-above average rainfall in the coming weeks.

http://www.dailymail...l#ixzz1qh0GFdEV

Hosepipe ban leaves customers baffled over mixed water regulations as drought is declared the worst since 1921

Ban on hosepipes and sprinklers the most widespread for seven years

Restrictions start Thursday, backed by threats of £1,000 fines for breakers

UK needs double the average spring and summer rain to replenish supplies

TS Eliot's famous poem The Wasteland inspired by drought of 1921

Could be third warmest March since records began in 1659

Britain saw less than 1mm of rain last week

But dry weather is good news for tomato growers

http://www.dailymail...egulations.html

Drought fear for 35million in Britain

NEARLY 35million Brits will soon be officially in drought, figures revealed yesterday. Maps of recent rainfall, soil moisture and river levels show the UK is drier than at any time since 1976. The South West, West Midlands and large parts of Wales are at risk of being declared drought areas, the Environment Agency warned. They would join parts of the South East, East Anglia, and South and East Yorkshire already in drought.

The agency said a sizzling week has left two-thirds of rivers "exceptionally low" with decreasing flows, while most reservoirs are below normal levels. It released a shocking new map for March 21-27, with almost all England and Wales in red — symbolising 0 to 1mm of rainfall. Only the South West is a different colour — and even that had just 1mm of rain.

Hosepipe bans hit 22million in the South and East on Thursday — and the agency said a ban on taking water for crops looms for farmers in East Anglia. National drought coordinator Helen Vale said: "We expect water companies to do more to tackle leaks."

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4230756/Drought-fear-for-35million-in-Britain.html

[Summer Sun]

Drought: Days Left Before Looming Hosepipe Ban

Gardeners across much of the country are making the most of their last chance to use a hosepipe before a ban is introduced on Thursday.

Seven water companies have announced the restrictions after two exceptionally dry winters left many areas in drought. It means anyone using a hose for gardening or car washing in affected regions could face a fine of up to £1,000. Derek Holder is worried about what it will mean for his allotment in Ipswich. "The fruit will suffer," he said.

"Your peas, your runner beans all need plenty of water and you just cannot get enough down with a watering can. "But then again you have to adhere to the rules. It will be very hard and there will be lots of moans and groans." The problem is a lack of rain. Parts of East Anglia were the first to be declared in drought last June, followed by the South East and now swathes of East and South Yorkshire. It has left river flows, groundwater levels and reservoirs exceptionally low in many areas.

Other water companies are expected to follow suit with a ban. Ciaran Nelson from Anglian Watersaid: "We will need an awful lot of rain, weeks if not months of drizzle to reverse the situation we have found ourselves in.

"It's only once we have had that downpour that we will need to be able to lift the hosepipe ban and at the moment we need to do everything we can to save the water in the environment." But the advice is not simply to cut down on use of tap water but to save the rain when it does fall. At Notcutts Garden Centre in Woodbridge, there has been eight times the normal demand for water butts since the ban was announced. "Suppliers are working much longer shifts, up to 24 hours a day, I believe, in some places to keep up with the trade and we are sourcing across a wider supply base than we used to," said general manager Nick Bugden. Many shoppers are leaving the store with two.

"Most houses have downpipes in two or three places so people are obviously planning that when it does rain they can capture as much water as possible," he added. Businesses such as car washes and garden centres will still be able to use a hose. But window cleaners working at private homes will have to rely on a bucket instead.

http://news.sky.com/...rticle/16199245

SNOW JOKE

BRITAIN went from hotter than summer to as cold as winter yesterday. And up to four inches of snow are predicted for tomorrow as the Easter holiday fortnight begins. Amazingly, parts of the country were colder than Iceland yesterday. And northern Scotland will be as cold as -11C this week. The town of Akureyri, which is in northern Iceland and borders the Arctic Circle, hit a comparatively balmy 10C. Durham was the hottest spot in the UK on Friday at 19.7C – warmer than June’s normal 18.1C peaks – but fell to just 7C yesterday, colder than December’s usual 7.4C maximums.

The East shivered and although the West was milder at 12C, most parts fell close to freezing overnight, with today expected to peak at just 9-13C. Extra jumpers will be needed as the start to the cricket season continues with Durham hosting Yorkshire in a friendly today. Players and fans wrapped up for yesterday’s first friendly matches involving Middlesex, Somerset, Essex, Surrey and Glamorgan. And the miserable start to schools’ Easter holidays gets much worse from tomorrow. The Met Office said bitter Arctic winds will bring snow and sleet to higher ground in northern England, Wales and Scotland tomorrow and Tuesday.

The Weather Channel forecast up to four inches of snow in the Scottish Highlands tomorrow, up to three inches tomorrow night over the Pennines and sleet over hills as far south as Kent. The Met Office also predicted snow as far south as Lincolnshire by Wednesday, with snow flurries continuing in the North towards Easter weekend. Temperatures will tumble as the hottest place in the country becomes the coldest. Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, hit 23.6C on Tuesday and 18C on Friday – but just 7C yesterday and will be down to 0C on Tuesday daytime, with a forecast -11C night making for a 35C temperature swing in a week.

Moira Milne, owner of Aboyne’s Glendavan House guesthouse, said: “It seems we’re often either hottest or coldest here. It was like mid-summer earlier in the week.†WeatherOnline forecaster John Ejdowski said: “We’re going from summer to winter as temperatures drop.†A Met Office forecast said: “Showers will turn wintry over northern hills from Wednesday, with unsettled weather likely to spread across the UK by Easter.†Weather Channel meteorologist Leon Brown said: “Very cold Arctic air will reach Scotland on Monday. “The cold front then moves south across the Midlands, Wales and southern England during Tuesday.â€

http://www.dailystar...3542/Snow-joke/

WATER LEAKS DROUGHT OF ORDER

BRITAIN'S biggest water supplier begins a hosepipe ban on Thursday – just days after topping a league table for wasting water. Thames Water, which has 8.8million customers across London, Surrey and the Thames corridor, is leaking enough water to fill most of Wembley Stadium every day. The first leak league table, compiled by the Daily Star Sunday from data provided by regulator Ofwat, shows Thames Water loses an “obscene†665million litres of water every day – enough to supply nearly 60% of London’s population.

The 25.7% leak rate is almost half as bad again as the average 17.7% of the other six firms imposing bans from Thursday. Thames Water admits its hosepipe ban will only save 5% of water used – around 129million litres a day, more than five times less than the amount leaked. The ban will cause huge inconvenience to anyone gardening, washing a car, filling a paddling pool or cleaning outdoors. Fines of up to £1,000 apply to anyone breaking rules. The 665 million litres leaked daily is more than the amount leaked by the other six ban firms combined and enough to provide water for 4.4million people, or 56% of London’s population.

Thames Water also faces a customer backlash as 6% price hikes hit today. Other firms have increased prices by up to 8%. The company is expected to announce huge profits for its last financial year. The year before, Thames banked £600million, with directors sharing £2million bonuses. Chief executive Martin Baggs was paid £500,000 extra on top of his £1.1million salary. “Such bonuses are outrageous while bills are hiked for customers,†said Hammersmith & Fulham council leader Stephen Greenhalgh. Incredibly, the total amount of water leaked every year by water firms in England and Wales is a colossal 1,226billion litres – enough to fill Windermere, England’s largest lake, four times.

Environment expert Fred Pearce said: “Thames Water’s leakage rates are obscene. Regulators have been telling them for decades to get their act together but the company’s efforts are sporadic. “National leakage rates are also far too high.†Ofwat chief executive Regina Finn said: “These leakage failures send a poor signal about how companies value water.†Thames Water spokesman Simon Evans said: “We fix 1,000 leaks a week. Our leakage is the lowest ever, down a third from its 2004 peak, mainly as a result of replacing 1,400 miles of worn-out Victorian pipes.

“We’ve hit our Ofwat leakage target for the past five years and we are in line to hit it again this year.â€

http://www.dailystar...ught-of-order-/

Britain's Easter freeze blows in: Beaches deserted and snow on its way as temperatures plummet

Temperatures plummet to between 8C and 10C across the country

Sleet comes in over the Shetland Isles

Temperature at 1,245m Cairngorm Mountain falls to -7C

Sun seekers pack away the deck chairs and bring out hats and scarves

After thousands poured on to Britain's beaches last week to take advantage of the warm weather, today suncream and bikinis were replaced by scarves and gloves as temperatures plummeted across the country. As many might have predicted the arrival of the weekend triggered a dramatic change in the weather with snow even being seen in the Shetland Isles in the early part of the day. It was also a very different picture in the small Scottish village of Aboyne, in Aberdeenshire which recorded the highest March temperature ever in Scotland on Wednesday when it peaked at 22.9C. Today the mercury had fallen to a much chillier 8C in Aboyne and it is a similar story across the rest of the country today with daytime temperatures in most places of between 8C and 10C.

The 18 month dry spell has been declared the worst since 1921 and forced water companies to bring in a hosepipe ban across the South and East of England next week. Yet days before the ban comes into effect millions of householders have been left confused about which rules apply following a series of U-turns from companies about exemptions for pensioners, businesses and gardeners.
The ban on hosepipes and sprinklers will be the most widespread since 2005. A large area of Yorkshire is now also in a state of drought with groundwater levels across England and Wales have dropped to the lowest level on the Government's scale.

It was 1921 when the UK last went through a drought as bad as the current crisis. Recent warm weather has caused tomatoes at a farm on the Isle of Wight to ripen a month early with pickers harvesting the first crop of British tomatoes today. The unseasonably hot spell has ripened 100 tonnes of tomatoes which are not ordinarily picked until the end of April. Thousands of the tomatoes, which include the piccolo from the Wight Salads farm in the Arreton Valley, the UK's biggest tomato grower are now ready to be eaten.

http://www.dailymail...l#ixzz1qna5HKIN

[Coast]

Weather experts warn: prepare for snow in county this week

Published on Sunday 1 April 2012 14:23

WEATHER experts are warning that after several weeks of sunshine, snow could fall in the county this week.

Forecasters at Pitsford Hall Weather Station say that while today (Sunday, April 1) is set to be a sunny day with temperatures reaching 12C this afternoon, people should brace themselves for cold temperatures in the days ahead. A spokesman for the weather station said: “It will start to turn noticeably colder on Tuesday, although dry at first rain will quickly spread southwards and this will turn increasingly to sleet or even snow during the evening. “(There will be) highs of 9C, falling overnight to 0C with winds moderate and from the north-east.

“Another cold day will follow on Wednesday, dry during the morning but with some isolated flurries of sleet or snow around during the afternoon. “Winds will remain moderate and from the north-east. Temperatures will climb to around 7C, falling overnight to 1C.â€

http://www.northantset.co.uk/news/local/weather-experts-warn-prepare-for-snow-in-county-this-week-1-3690351

[Summer Sun]

Apart from Tuesday there will be very little rain for the drought areas, high pressure should help to keep it quite sunny for many away from Scotland with temperatures of around 10 to 12c by the end of the week.

Good Friday looks nice in the south as well

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8026UNhZlvY&feature=plcp&context=C406c199VDvjVQa1PpcFM31siyQdCnA4yIPb2kKjFb96FJ6DByk-g%3D

[Milhouse]

Looks like an improvement just in time for Easter after a chilly spell midweek.

Edited April 1, 2012 by Milhouse

[Summer Sun]

BRITAIN FACING WEEK OF SNOW

AN Arctic blast will bring sub- zero temperatures and up to eight inches of snow for Easter. After a fortnight of blue skies and temperatures as high as 73F (23C), forecasters warn the big freeze could last all week. Cold air from Norway will bring a blanket of snow to Scotland and northern England over the next 24 hours and even the South is expected to be hit by midweek. Sharp frosts will see overnight temperatures fall as low as -11C.

Between two and eight inches of snow are expected as far south as Leeds. By tomorrow evening up to three inches could fall in exposed areas of Kent and Sussex. And even London could get some sleet and snow, although it is unlikely to settle. Between two and eight inches of snow are expected as far south as Leeds. By tomorrow evening up to three inches could fall in exposed areas of Kent and Sussex. And even London could get some sleet and snow, although it is unlikely to settle. Forecaster Julian Mayes, of Meteogroup, predicted a “significant†snowfall in Scotland and northern England tonight and tomorrow.

“A blast of northern winds will carry the snow showers into large parts of England. By Tuesday the cold front will be down over southern England,†he said. Mr Mayes warned motorists to have the de-icer ready for Wednesday and Thursday. “By the middle of the week it will feel much colder than it has been in recent weeks. It will be time to wrap up.†Met Office spokeswoman Helen Waite described conditions as a stark contrast to the clear skies and sunshine of recent days. Last week Britain’s beaches were packed as the UK was hit by a mini-heatwave with temperatures well above the March average.

But Ms Waite warned those who have been getting used to the warm weather to pack away their bikinis and sunblock for now and get out the coats and scarfs as temperatures plummet. She said: “Looking ahead we are expecting it to get colder still. Across the country there is a weather system coming down from the North and it will be rainy on Monday night. With cold weather coming in there is a risk of snow. On Tuesday the rain across northern England will turn wintry and snow could fall. Wednesday will remain cold and most places will see further wintry showers across the UK, especially on higher ground.â€

This week’s blast of freezing weather started to arrive over the weekend when snow began falling in the Shetland Isles. The Scottish village of Aboyne, in Aberdeenshire, which recorded the highest March temperature in the country when it peaked at 22.9C on Wednesday, saw its fortunes take a downturn as daytime temperatures there dropped to a chilly 8C. Temperatures could drop as low as -9C tonight in remote areas. Tomorrow will see them struggle to rise above a bitter 4C during the day in northern England while on Wednesday it will be 8C at best.

The earliest indications are that Good Friday is likely to be a grey and gloomy start to the Easter weekend, with rain expected in many parts of the North. April snowfall is not unheard of in the UK.

On April 6, 2008, a cold front swept southwards across the country, ending a spell of warm weather in which temperatures had reached 19.2C just two days before. The front brought snowstorms across the Midlands and southern England, where up to three inches fell. The unseasonal weather caused major travel disruption and forced Heathrow Airport to close its runways for a time.

http://www.express.c...ng-week-of-snow

SNOW KIDDING...UK TO GET 8 INCHES!

THE heatwave is over – as up to eight inches of snow are due in parts of the country today. Instead of slapping on the suncream, Brits will be wrapping up as the big freeze takes grip and temperatures drop to -11C. The icy blast is predicted in the north today and is due to spread across the south east tomorrow. It comes just days after Britain basked in a record-breaking hot March with temperatures soaring to a balmy 23C.

Forecasters have issued severe weather warnings following the extreme change in temperature. Met Office forecaster Helen Waite said: “We have issued two severe weather alerts. Northern England will see rain turn increasingly to snow tonight, with 5cm or so expected on ground over 200m. “London and other lower areas could see sleet or snow, but it is unlikely to settle.†Both the Midlands and the Home Counties are also due to have a smattering of the white stuff tomorrow and on Wednesday. And there is a warning of possible travel disruption in the wake of the icy conditions.

http://www.dailystar...-get-8-inches-/

Households face hosepipe ban throughout summer no matter how much it rains

Households face a hosepipe ban throughout the entire summer, no matter how much it rains, water companies warned yesterday. The restrictions come into place this week and will continue until at least October in southern England and London, as any rainfall from now on is unlikely to replenish reservoirs. The news comes just four days after inflation-busting water bill increases for millions of customers.

Most of Britain is now affected by a drought, following extremely low rainfall over the past few months. Experts say that any rain from this point onwards will probably evaporate in the higher summer temperatures or be absorbed by soil and growing vegetation.

The restriction will hit around 20million homes, as seven water companies will begin enforcing the ban from Thursday. They are Anglian Water, South East Water, Southern Water, Sutton and East Surrey Water, Thames Water, Veolia Water Southeast and Veolia Water Central. The ban on hosepipes and sprinklers in the South and East of England will be the most widespread for seven years.

A spokeswoman for Southern Water told the Daily Telegraph: 'The rain that is most important to us is the rain that falls in autumn, winter and early spring – it’s called the recharge period. 'Any rain over the summer is not going to be effective in filling up reservoirs because it’s coming at the wrong time and in general isn’t absorbed as well.'

A spokeswoman for Veolia, which supplies around three million customers, added: 'If it does rain in summer it will be good for gardeners because they won’t have to water their plants, but it will be evaporated by high temperatures and used up by natural vegetation. 'It’s been this dry four times in the last 101 years, so it won’t be enough to affect the restrictions for this summer.'

http://www.dailymail...l#ixzz1qsDzfygV

What a difference a week makes: Scottish village that recorded highest ever March temperature drops to 1C and snow is on its way

Temperatures plummet to between 8C and 10C across the country later this week

Severe weather warning issued for north of Scotland on Monday

Rain predicted for the Midlands and Pennines by Tuesday

http://www.dailymail...l#ixzz1qsEjtxUY

[A Winter's Tale]

Big Freeze - you've got to be having a laugh, please just call this a cold spell! Also I don't know where they got -11C and 8 inches from. That'd be close to record breaking for this time of year.

The reality is that the low ground of northern Scotland will do well, the low ground of southern scotland and northern england will only get slushy deposits and the low ground further south may see some snowfall. The newspapers will be disapointed but April snow events are often pleasing - been a while since the last one.

[Summer Sun]

Big Freeze - you've got to be having a laugh, please just call this a cold spell! Also I don't know where they got -11C and 8 inches from. That'd be close to record breaking for this time of year.

The reality is that the low ground of northern Scotland will do well, the low ground of southern scotland and northern england will only get slushy deposits and the low ground further south may see some snowfall. The newspapers will be disapointed but April snow events are often pleasing - been a while since the last one.

They got -11c from Netweather

http://www.netweathe...;sess=#forecast

8 inches of snow though is way OTT

Edited April 2, 2012 by Gavin D

[Coast]

April snow brings end to warm spell

Parts of Britain have been waking up to a blanket of snow as the recent spell of unseasonably warm weather was replaced by wintry conditions and predictions of sub-zero temperatures. More than six inches of snow fell in the space of four hours in parts of Scotland overnight as an Arctic weather front bore down on the UK.

There could be disruption on the way into work, as snow and sleet was predicted in time for rush hour in Glasgow and Edinburgh, with motorists warned to take extra care because of snow and ice on the roads. And after one of the warmest Marches on record forecasters warned Britons to get their jumpers and scarves back out with temperatures set to plummet to as low as -5C overnight into Wednesday as the big chill moves south. Around 10cm of snow has carpeted most parts of northern Scotland overnight, with accumulations of 17cm recorded in Aviemore in the Highlands and temperatures of close to -2C in Glen Ogle. Scotland's central belt was also hit by the wintry weather, which will gradually creep into northern England, parts of Wales and the Midlands in the coming 24 hours.

Aisling Creevy, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said: "A slow moving Arctic front has brought a wintry mix of weather to parts of Scotland overnight with snow, sleet and rain in northern and central areas. "Snow and rain showers will continue in Scotland throughout the day and move into northern England before reaching the Midlands tomorrow morning. A raw north-easterly wind will also make it feel very cold with the wind-chill taking a two or three of degrees off the actual temperature." The Met Office has issued an amber severe weather warning for snow in four areas of central and northern Scotland, advising the public to be prepared for transport disruption with ice developing on untreated roads.

However, Ms Creevy said the cold snap will be short lived with temperatures recovering on Thursday. The weather is in stark contrast to March's mini-heatwave - the only years to have a warmer March in the past 100 years were 1938, 1948, 1957, 1990 and 1997.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gezIyiqTxo1ueDeucw19BSOQ5cBw?docId=N0080601333423406494A

[knocker]

Winter back with a vengeance as Arctic front hits Scotland

Last Tuesday the little Aberdeenshire town of Aboyne was basking in record March temperatures of 23.6C. This morning long suffering residents woke up to three inches of snow as the mercury fell below zero.

Across north east Scotland, early summer has disappeared and late winter reasserted itself with a vengeance. Snow gates were shut along the Cockbridge to Tomintoul road, and high altitude routes were impassable in the Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey, and Nairn areas. The A93 was closed at Braemar.

The deepest falls were around the ski resort of Aviemore where six inches were recorded, to the glee of resort operators who have until now been enduring a dreadful ski season. Ben Ogle recorded temperatures of minus 2C.

The snow in the Grampians has been carried in by an Arctic weather front, which is now forecast to drift south over Scotland’s populous central belt.

Snow and freezing temperatures will reach northern England and Wales and parts of the Midlands within the next 24 hours. Scotland will gradually warm a little as the freeze grips England.

“Snow and rain showers will continue in Scotland throughout the day and move into northern England before reaching the Midlands tomorrow morning,†warned Aisling Creevy, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association.

“A raw north-easterly wind will also make it feel very cold with the wind-chill taking a two or three of degrees off the actual temperature.

“Tomorrow the UK will be noticeably colder and feeling quite raw and we could get widespread lows of around -5C in Scotland overnight.â€

However, Ms Creevy said the cold snap will be short lived with temperatures recovering on Thursday.

London and the south east should escape the snow with temperatures of around 13C today before dropping to around 8C tomorrow, she added.

The Met Office has issued an amber severe weather warning for snow in the Highlands, Grampian, Strathclyde, Tayside, Central and Fife regions of Scotland, advising the public to be prepared for transport disruption with ice developing on untreated roads.

Police said that driving conditions were difficult and advised road users to take care and allow extra time for their journeys.

The weather is in stark contrast to March’s mini-heatwave - the only years to have a warmer March in the past 100 years were 1938, 1948, 1957, 1990 and 1997.

Paul Mott, senior forecaster at MeteoGroup, said: “The weather in March has been quite exceptional. There were a number of Scottish records that were broken and some of the highest temperatures ever recorded in March.â€

http://www.thetimes....icle3372741.ece

Edited April 3, 2012 by weather ship

[Summer Sun]

ARCTIC APRIL? YOU BET!

BRITAIN is braced for up to a foot of snow and temperatures lower than parts of the North Pole as the April big freeze roars in today. Bookmakers Ladbrokes have slashed the odds of breaking the lowest ever April temperature of -15C (5F) from 25/1 down to 12/1. Spokesman Alex Donohue said: “The odds say we’ve had our ­moment in the sun. Punters are now predicting we’ll freeze this Easter.†Bitterly cold winds from the ­Arctic will send temperatures plunging as low as -12C, forecasters warned last night.

Scotland and the North face heavy snow, which will be whipped up into blizzard-like snowstorms by gale-force winds. Up to six inches is expected to fall as far south as Manchester and the Midlands and the mercury is set to plummet across the country. The Met Office upgraded a yellow severe weather warning for snow in the North yesterday to the more ­serious amber level. Parts of Scotland have already ground to a shivering halt after the first of the snow fell yesterday. A statement from the Met Office said: “Snow will be falling across northern Scotland by Monday evening and will reach the far north of England by morning.

“The public should be prepared for disruption to transport, especially in the Amber area.†It said half an inch could fall in London tonight, with Surrey, Kent and Sussex at risk tomorrow morning and again on Thursday. It will bring a dramatic shift in weather after hot sun and unseasonably warm temperatures packed out beaches and parks last week. Temperatures are expected to plunge by as much as 36C from the peak of the hot spell last week. Leon Brown, of the Weather Channel, said: “There will be heavy snow tonight over Scotland with as much as a foot over the mountains, possibly enough for ski resorts to re-open. There’s a good chance of -12C in the Cairngorms, with northern England down to -7C and the South at -5C.â€

Temperatures will struggle to get above freezing across the country today, threatening travel chaos. Britain will be colder than ­Akureyri in Iceland, close to the Arctic Circle, which will see highs of 9C. The cold blast comes after Britain baked in the third hottest March since records began. Blazing sunshine and temperatures of 73F (23C) saw thousands flock to coasts and resorts. It spelled misery for farmers and water firms desperate for rain, as Britain faces the worst drought for 124 years.

But the cold snap is not expected to last after Easter. Martin Young, chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: “This week’s wintry snap will be short-lived, with temperatures returning to normal as we head towards Easter.â€

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/312218/Arctic-April-You-bet-

[The PIT]

Funny watching the news. Reporter going on about being in blizzard conditions. Clear view behind her light snow roads clear. Nothing like over blowing it. No doubt very nasty on top in places but blizzard where she was simply not.

[Coast]

A Tale of Two Britains: South is bathed in sunshine while Scotland freezes under more than six-inches of snow

• Parts of Scotland blanketed in more than six inches of snow while further south, temperatures still in double figures
• Met Office issues weather warning as Arctic front moves south
• Drought-hit England facing up to hose pipe ban on Thursday, while water remains plentiful up north

Britain was today facing a stark north south weather divide – with parts of Scotland shivering under a blanket of snow and sub-zero temperatures while most of England basked in yet more sun. After a week of record highs north of the border, where temperatures were hotter than Athens, Bermuda, Cairo, Lisbon and Rome, the country was plunged back to winter. And the icy conditions look set to track south, putting an end to the unseasonably warm weather for all of the UK. But it does not appear to be enough to bring the drought in England to an end, which will see a hose pipe ban introduced on Thursday.

The Met Office has issued an amber severe weather warning for snow in four areas of central and northern Scotland, advising the public to be prepared for transport disruption with ice developing on untreated roads. More than six inches of snow fell in the space of four hours in parts of Scotland overnight as an Arctic weather front bore down on the UK.

And after one of the warmest Marches on record, forecasters are warning Britons to get their jumpers and scarves back out with temperatures set to plummet to as low as -5C tonight as the big chill moves south. Around 10cm of snow has carpeted most parts of northern Scotland overnight, with accumulations of 17cm recorded in Aviemore in the Highlands and temperatures of close to -2C in Glen Ogle.

Scotland’s central belt was also hit by the wintry weather, which will gradually creep into northern England, parts of Wales and the Midlands in the coming 24 hours. Scottish Transport Minister Keith Brown told BBC Radio Scotland: ‘This kind of weather is much more normal for Scotland than the superb weather we have had over the previous days. So we have had, for example, 124 gritters out overnight. ‘Because we’ve not had this kind of weather over previous weeks, it can catch people by surprise and what we’re saying is people should listen to the media, take on board any information they’ve got about the likely length of time to make their journeys and take the appropriate precautions.’

Police said driving conditions are difficult and advised road users to take care and allow extra time for journeys. According to the Traffic Scotland website, the snow gates were closed on the A93 at Braemar. Other roads in the Grampian region were also disrupted, with snow gates closed at Cock Bridge to Tomintoul and the A941 Dufftown to Rhynie road shut. Tayside Police urged motorists to drive with the ‘utmost care’. The force dealt with a number of incidents, including a three-vehicle collision in ‘whiteout conditions’ near to Tullybaccart Farm in Blairgowrie, Perthshire

Four people were taken to hospital after a car left the A90 at the St Ann’s to Keithock junction in Brechin and came to rest in a ditch.

Aisling Creevy, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, said: ‘A slow moving Arctic front has brought a wintry mix of weather to parts of Scotland overnight with snow, sleet and rain in northern and central areas. ‘Snow and rain showers will continue in Scotland throughout the day and move into northern England before reaching the Midlands tomorrow morning. ‘A raw north-easterly wind will also make it feel very cold with the wind-chill taking a two or three of degrees off the actual temperature. ‘Tomorrow the UK will be noticeably colder and feeling quite raw and we could get widespread lows of around -5C in Scotland overnight.’ Temperatures in northern Scotland will range from 2 to 5C, MeteoGroup said, with England getting the brunt of the freezing weather tomorrow.

However, Ms Creevy said the cold snap will be short lived with temperatures recovering on Thursday. London and the south east should escape the snow with temperatures of around 13C today before dropping to around 8C tomorrow, she added.

The weather is in stark contrast to March’s mini-heatwave - the only years to have a warmer March in the past 100 years were 1938, 1948, 1957, 1990 and 1997. MeteoGroup’s senior forecaster Paul Mott said: ‘The weather in March has been quite exceptional. There were a number of Scottish records that were broken and some of the highest temperatures ever recorded in March.’ The heavy snowfall in Scotland also highlights the serious drought faced by much of England. Great swathes of southern and eastern England is being forced to prepare for a summer of water restrictions, including a hose pipe ban starting on Thursday, while water remains as plentiful as ever in much of the North.

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