Signs of Spring have sprung up
Published 11 Jan 2012 18:00
SPRING was in the air in the new year as the mild weather brought out some unexpected sights.
People going to back to work were surprised to be greeted by daffodils poking up from the ground and cherry blossom in the trees.
These unseasonable appearances of beautiful colours are down to the UK's warm autumn and no long cold periods during the winter, according to Dr Peter Inness, a senior research fellow at the University of Reading's Department of Meteorology.
He said: "While the current temperatures are not that much higher than those expected for January in this part of the UK, this winter has been marked by a lack of extended cold periods so far.
"This compares with the last two winters, when we all remember the heavy snows and long spells of icy weather. This year, we've had some cold periods with frosts, but none have lasted more than a few days."
Dr Inness added: "Combined with the warm, dry autumn, this could be causing some plant species to emerge or flower sooner than in previous years."
l Has Spring, sprung where you live? Why not share your experiences with Observer readers. Send an email picture of any Spring like signs - plants insects, animals etc to our newsdesk at observernews@berksmedia.co.uk and we will publish it in the paper.
Don't forget to supply your name and location of the picture.
This article appeared in Slough Observer 11 Jan 12
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