Sun shines brightly on Suffolk

AFTER one of the wettest winters of the century, spring is finally breaking out with the bright sunshine giving everyone a lift.

Spring formally starts next Wednesday but a stroll in the park or even a walk in the garden confirms that nature already knows the new season is here.

Temperatures continue to be much higher than average. On Monday the mercury reached 18C, 64F, which is the average temperature for early June.

Yesterday was slightly cooler, but still very pleasant, and temperatures in the mid-60s are expected to return later in the week.

Evening Star weatherman Ken Blowers said: “The winter has been very mild . . . and very wet. The first two months of the year had much more rain than normal.

“This fine spell is a bit overdue and is certainly very welcome indeed.”

The warm weather is set to continue until the second half of the weekend - although temperatures could fall early next week while remaining dry.

The heavy rain throughout the winter has delighted the water companies.

Anglian Water's Dan Baker said: “Our Alton Water reservoir is between 98 and 100 per cent full at the moment. This time last year it was 85pc full.

“And the underground water courses should have filled up nicely. We never say there will definitely be no restrictions this year, but things are looking fine.”

But for now people are just enjoying the fine weather. The town's outdoor cafés are doing a roaring business and tee-shirts and shorts are putting in their first appearances of the year.

Send your spring pictures to starnews@eveningstar.co.uk.

Weather facts

The average temperature for early March is 10C (50F).

Spring starts when the sun crosses the equator - which happens at 00.11hours on March 21.

Cuckoos may not have arrived yet, but migratory chiffchaffs have already been heard in Suffolk woods.

On Monday Ipswich (18C) was warmer than Rome, Lisbon and Crete (all 17C).

On March 14 last year Ipswich struggled to reach 8C (46F).