Beware the ice of March as winter’s back

Snow showers led to temperatures in the Yorkshire Dales plunging to -5C (23F).

The Met Office put the Yorkshire and Humber region on a yellow alert, with further snow and icy conditions expected until Thursday.

The wintry conditions battered much of the country, including Yorkshire where bizarre 
weather patterns saw snow storms interspersed with sunny periods.

The South of England was worst hit by the sudden Arctic onslaught.

Jersey Airport was shut because of snow, and on the roads there were hazardous conditions on many major routes.

Blizzards were reported on the M40 in Warwickshire and there were numerous rush-hour accidents.

Strong winds added to drivers’ problems with falling trees blocking some roads, while on the trains poor rail conditions led to delays in Sussex and Hampshire.

Forecasters warned of 
snow spreading to nearly every area of Britain, with almost four inches expected in the worst-hit areas.

Although too early to officially record, it is thought to be the coldest at this time of year in 27 years. The last time the 
UK experienced such a cold March day was on March 1, 1986, a forecaster with MeteoGroup said.

In contrast, this time two years ago the country was basking in balmy temperatures of up to 17C (63F).

Bookmakers have now 
slashed the odds against a white Easter.