Top News

Met Office experts have explained why we may see snow before the end of March, ahead of astronomical spring officially commencing later this week.

The first day of astronomical spring often fluctuates as this is determined by the Earth's position relative to the Sun. It begins on the vernal equinox, which this year falls on March 20 in the Northern Hemisphere.

While some individuals follow this calendar, others - including the Met Office - adhere to meteorological seasons. Meteorological spring consistently starts on March 1 and concludes on May 31.

The Met Office explained: "Under this system, spring acts as a bridge from the cooler, unsettled weather of winter to the warmer, more stable conditions that summer can bring. While daytoday weather may vary, meteorological spring allows climate specialists to track broader patterns across the seasons."

The UK's national meteorological service has also stated snow "remains a possibility", despite some milder conditions forecast for the forthcoming days. On its website, the Met Office said: "Despite spring's milder reputation, snow remains a possibility - especially in March.

"In fact, statistically, March sees a higher likelihood of snow or sleet than December. This means that snow around Easter, while surprising to some, is not unusual in the UK climate."

That said, the Met Office forecast for the coming week does not predict any snow. And its UK outlook for March 20-29 currently reads: "Under the influence of high pressure it will be a settled start to this period, with most places predominantly dry.

"Temperatures will be close to or a little above average, although for parts of the south it will feel cooler than earlier in the week with a brisk easterly wind starting to develop. Overall though is spells of spring sunshine it should feel quite pleasant. How long the settled conditions last is less certain with some signals that showers/rain could return later in the period, most likely to the south."

Due to the unpredictable nature of weather, however, longer-range forecasts are subject to change.

Astronomical spring will conclude on Sunday, June 21, with the arrival of the summer solstice for the Northern Hemisphere.