Balmy to brrr: More snow on the way after half-term burst of spring
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The UK could be on the verge of experiencing the coldest February for 22 years after a half-term chill threatens the worst cold spell this winter from Wednesday - with snow expected in the east later in the week.
But that wasn't before the nation enjoyed a short burst of spring on Monday and Tuesday. Darren Dickey, Head Gardener at Trebah Gardens in Cornwall, was even able to show two-year-old Eva Bray a bloom of Magnolia campbellii flowers as spring appeared to arrive in the south-west peninsula (pictured below).
And as the mercury hit 11C on Tuesday, some people were even seen enjoying the sun on Brighton Beach, as well as punting on the river in Cambridge
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It was a lovely day after an extremely foggy start that saw London shrouded in mist, and 63 flights cancelled at Heathrow.
But the Met Office said daytime highs would fall to between 2 to 4C on Wednesday. It added there could even be light snow in the east from Friday into the weekend.
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Met Office spokeswoman Helen Chivers told Aol Travel: "We are expecting to see some light snow flurries in eastern areas as we head into Friday and over the weekend but amounts will be small and are not expected to cause disruption."
Leon Brown, meteorologist at The Weather Channel, also told Aol Travel that cold temperatures and light snow will hit: "There will be a cold end to February. Temperatures will get a lot colder by Wednesday this week with bitter easterly winds, only reaching 1 to 3C by day on Thursday and Friday, and 3 to 5C this weekend with widespread frost at night. Down to -8C in Scotland overnight."
Forecaster Brian Gaze of The Weather Outlook said mild weather early in the week will give way to harsher conditions, and said heavier snow was possible. He told the Metro: "Make the most of the mild weather as winter will return, with some suggestions the coldest spell of winter is still to come.
"Colder air will filter in from the east from Tuesday, with temperatures on a downward slope.
"The duration of the cold spell is not clear, but milder air from the south-west at the end of the week could be the catalyst for heavy snow, although mild air could also fizzle out with the UK remaining cold with snow showers in the east."
Time to make like Abbey and Peter Crouch and jet off for some sun in Dubai?
Or why not try one of these sunny spots:
Secret sunny escapes
- Bosnia<p> Bosnia may be best known for its war-torn past, but this image hides surprisingly beautiful countryside with sparklingly clean rivers and waterfalls, unspoiled beaches, friendly people and sunny summers, with temperatures of up to 27C. And it's cheap too. A seven-day Bosnia Adventure tour costs from £299 per person including b&b accommodation, a local guide and mini-bus transportation with <a href="http://balkanroadtrip.com/" target="_blank">balkanroadtrip.com</a></p>
- Hadahaa, Maldives<p> More than 10km away from the nearest inhabited island, Hadahaa is in the remote south of the Maldives and surrounded by pristine coral reef. Being remote doesn't mean roughing it, though, Hadahaa is a five-star luxury resort complete with spa, dive centre and two fabulous restaurants. From 636 USD (approx £405) per night, all-inclusive, for a Park Villa. Visit <a href="http://maldives.hadahaa.park.hyatt.com/ " target="_blank">maldives.hadahaa.park.hyatt.com. </a></p>
- Folegandros, Greece<p> Folegandros is known as the 'Island of Peace', and, as the name suggests, you won't find any wild nightlife here, just whitewashed houses, traditional villages and undiscovered beaches. Seven nights in July, including flights, ferry transfers and apartment accommodation, costs £1250 per person with <a href="http://www.islands-of-greece.co.uk" target="_blank">islands-of-greece.co.uk</a>.</p>
- Almeria, Spain<p> One of the few remaining untouched areas of the Mediterranean - and its sunniest - Almeria is home to Europe's only desert, where much of Lawrence of Arabia was shot. A walking tour along the coastline will take you past dramatic cliffs, sandy coves, salt flats, red hills and the Cabo de Gata National Park. A one week self-guided walking holiday along the coast of Almeria costs £518 per person, not including flights. Visit <a href="http://www.inntravel.co.uk" target="_blank">inntravel.co.uk</a>.</p> <p> </p>
- Eastern Algarve, Portugal<p> The idea Algarve conjures up images of crowded villa resorts and golf clubs, but the eastern end of this coast is still largely untouched and home to rural boutique hotels such as Fazenda Nova, a stylishly converted farmhouse only 25 minutes from Faro airport.Rooms from €155 per night, b&b. <span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt;">Visit <a href="http://www.fazendanova.eu" target="_blank">www.fazendanova.eu</a>.</span></p>
- Alentejo, Portugal<p>Portugal's other secret is Alentejo - a perfect base for exploring the traditional villages, megalithic monuments, castles and stunning views of Portugal's sleepy, secret south-central region. A seven-night cycling tour staying in this cosy farmhouse£716 per person, including b&b accommodation and cycle tour. Visit <a href="http://www.freedomtreks.co.uk." target="_blank">freedomtreks.co.uk.</a></p>
- Faralya, Turkey<p> Veer off the beaten track in Turkey, away from mega-resorts like Marmaris, to Faralya, where you'll find this eco-chic gem overlooking the Aegean and right on the Lycian Way trekking path. Seven nights at the <a href="http://www.perduehotel.com" target="_blank">Perdue Hotel</a> costs from £1,090 per person, including flights. Visit <a href="http://www.elixirholidays.co.uk" target="_blank">elixirholidays.co.uk</a>.</p> <p> </p>
- Puglia, Italy<p> The Puglian coastline remains off most British travellers' radar, but tucked away between Brindisi and Bari, right on the Adriatic sea, you'll find Masseria San Domenico, a 15th century former watchtower, now a small luxury hotel with old-school service and child-free peace and quiet. Five nights at the Masseria San Domenico costs from £1,130 per person, including flights and transfers. Visit <a href="http://www.abercrombiekent.co.uk." target="_blank">abercrombiekent.co.uk.</a></p>
- Biras Creek, Virgin Gorda<p> With views of three bodies of water - the open Atlantic, the protected North Sound lagoon and the turquoise Caribbean sea - 140 acre <a href="http://www.biras.com" target="_blank">Biras Creek</a> has a pretty spectacular location, kept secret to all but guests staying in one of the resort's 31 suites by the fact it's only accessible by boat and helicopter. Garden suites from $400 per night.</p> <p> </p>
- Fernando do Noronha, Brazil<p> The stunning islands of the secluded Fernando do Noronha archipelago off the North East Coast of Brazil are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with only 500 people allowed to stay there at any one time. In addition to the 499 or so other visitors, you'll share beach and sea space with dolphins, turtles and tropical fish.<7 days at the Pousada France in Fernando do Noronha costs from £2522 per person, including international and domestic flights and transfers. Visit <a href="http://www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk" target="_blank">journeylatinamerica.co.uk</a>.</p>
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