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Spring has sprung . . . or has it?
SPRING has arrived in the Isle of Man, according to Ronaldsway Met Office.
There is much debate on when spring officially starts. The UK Met Office argues it starts on March 1 but historically it starts on the day of the vernal equinox, which usually occurs on the night of March 20 to 21.
Either way, lighter days, a blanket of spring flowers including crocuses, daffodils and snowdrops, and newborn lambs in the fields, are all sure signs that the dark and cold winter days are a thing of the past.
Just a week ago, snow still blanketed the Island's hills after the coldest February in 20 years.
On Wednesday, sunrise was at 6.46am and did not set until 6.13pm.
Forecasters at Ronaldsway Met Office are expecting to see a rise in temperatures over the weekend and the start of next week which could see the Island reaching double figures.
Forecaster Adrian Cowin said: 'Spring is knocking on the door.'
The Met Office recorded below average temperatures for last month and the beginning of March.
'We would normally expect a few days of double figures by the beginning of March,' Mr Cowin said.
'They're arriving a couple of weeks later than normal.'
He blamed the cold snap this winter on the dominance of areas of high pressure in north and central Europe.
Along with milder temperatures, bands of rain have also been forecast for next week.
But Mr Cowin said: 'To help the grass and early bulbs grow we need some rain otherwise the ground will be far too dry and hard.'
The start of British Summer Time — when clocks are moved forward by one hour — is on March 28.
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Weather for Isle of Man
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 7 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 6 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South east
