WINTER is not over yet, weather experts are predicting!
Despite days of glorious sunshine in Huddersfield, we’re not out of the woods.
Warm temperatures, colourful scatterings of crocuses and sight of the first lambs could have fooled anyone into thinking spring had sprung early.
But, sadly, the weather is not here to stay, according to local meteorologist Paul Stevens.
Temperatures reaching 13C in Huddersfield town centre – double the average for this time of year – will start falling from today.
They could hit lows of 3C next week as rain and strong winds take hold.
And forecasts show more snow could be just around the corner next month.
Paul said: “To say spring has sprung early in February is over- ambitious.
“From Thursday, Friday and into the weekend, temperatures are going to be lower by 8C, reaching about 3C at best, with a raw easterly breeze.
“By the end of next week – around the 20th – the weather will break down and go back to more unsettled, wetter and windier weather. It is difficult to say how long that will last, but it will continue for a while.”
Paul said snow was still on the cards for Huddersfield, despite a mild start to the year.
He added: “As we go into March, we will get back into northerly winds and get a taste of winter again.
“There still could be some snow as we head into March. Winter is not over yet.
“Spring has sprung with a big question mark.”
The cold snap could spell disaster for the springtime flowers and plants that have already started shooting.
People have been admiring displays of crocus in the local parks.
And outdoor cafes have enjoyed a boom as people take lunch in the sun.
Paul added: “January was 3C above the long-term average for the month so the plants are reacting to that and the added sunshine has helped accelerate it.
“But if we get a frost, that early growth will be killed off.”
