Warmth Finally In Reach

The cold weather could finally be about to end after the second coldest March since records began in 1910.

On average March 2013 was 2.2C - just 0.3C above the 1.9C seen in March 1962.

Last month was even colder than most recent winter months.

That last happened back in 1975 and the following summer turned out to be a good one, says Sky Weather Producer Jo Robinson.

She said: "After such a cold spell, there's finally increasing confidence that spring warmth is just around the corner.

"The cold theme will continue this week, with temperatures remaining below average, and the wind will pick up again, making it feel bitterly cold.

"But as the jet stream moves north, it will bring milder conditions to the UK and the Republic of Ireland by next week."

The break in the unseasonal weather should see temperatures return to near normal - around 10-12C - although there will be spells of wind and rain.

Computer models indicate the middle of April could bring more settled spells of warmer Spring weather, although that could change.

If forecasts prove accurate, next week will see temperatures climb to the mid-teens.