Spring on hold as cold returns

15:33 14 April 2010

Despite the warmer weather of late, which saw temperatures rise as high as 20C, a seven-day cold front is set to hit the UK next week.

Frost, gale force winds and possibly snow are all predicted by weather officials just as the nation thought it had waved goodbye to the last of the harsh weather.

It was the coldest winter in over 30 years, but the sunshine is set to fade giving way to freezing temperatures after the weekend.

Heavy rain is predicted to fall over the coming days across northern England and Scotland, and this could turn to snow later in the week on higher ground as the harsh winter leaves a sting in its tail.

Bitingly cold gale-force winds will add the chill factor leaving it feel more like -7C.

Southern England will not escape either as it will feel close to freezing in many parts.

Met Office spokesman John Hammond said: "Rain is expected to move southwards across the country on Sunday and Monday.

"This will be followed by showers in northern areas, turning wintry over hills, with snow perhaps falling at low level in the far north.

"The unsettled theme is set to continue for most of the week with showers for most areas, falling as snow at times on northern hills.

"It will be windy at times in the north with a risk of gales. Temperatures will be rather cold in the north, with a risk of frost, and in probably in single figures in southern areas."

"With clear skies and light winds, temperatures drop sharply towards dusk – so if you’re wearing a T-shirt, you’ll have to put your coat on again."

After the harsh weather of winter, millions of Britain's four billion trees are up to a month late in sprouting their leaves, with many still bare.

But it is not all bad news as weather forecasters Positive Weather Solutions have predicted a scorcher for summer, possibly the hottest in years.

Jonathan Powell, senior forecaster, told the Mirror "There will be stifling temperatures making it possibly the warmest UK summer on record and placing it at least in the top three warmest summers recorded."