TECHNICALLY speaking, spring begins on March 20.
But no-one has told the weather that.
February managed to turn on the sunshine with some sheltered spots reporting thermometer readings of up to 10°C above average for the time of year.
Last weekend was certainly one to bring out the walkers, the gardeners and, in many gardens, the daffodils.
Spring bulbs and plants are out early and are flowering their heads off. Fingers crossed then that there are no stinging frosts to nip all that growth in the bud.
What some parts of the UK would like is more rain. Only last week, drought measures were being discussed in some areas with householders in the south-east warned to try to cut their use of water.
The region is officially in a state of drought and hosepipe bans could be introduced in large parts of southern England this spring, if dry weather continues.
Only prolonged rainfall, and soon, could prevent a drought and forecasters say that is unlikely.
Here in Huddersfield, you don’t have to go far to find people enjoying the mild weather.
Chief photographer Julian Hughes captured this family enjoying a walk in Greenhead Park with the crocuses standing wide open in the sunshine.
If the early spring weather has lifted your spirits, get out the camera and share your view of what makes Huddersfield so special.
Send entries to features@examiner.co.uk or you can drop them in the post to: Pictures of the Week, Features department, Huddersfield Examiner, Pennine Business Park, Longbow Close, Bradley Road, Huddersfield, HD2 1GQ
