Spring? You can forget it

By Tom Kelly

Last updated at 12:34 25 April 2006


The calendar says spring should have sprung.

But it only takes a step outside to realise a chill is still in the air.

And according to weathermen, it will be staying there for at least another month.

Over the next four weeks temperatures will struggle to reach a nippy 12c (53f).

Frustratingly for gardeners, the cool weather will not be bringing rain.

This means the hosepipe bans across South-East England are likely to stay in place.

Met Office spokesman Barry Gromett said the first glimpse of summer this weekend - with widespread sunshine across the country on Saturday - had been a mere 'flash in the pan.' He added: "After a protracted winter period where the cold weather has hung on it would be nice to get some warmer spring weather, but sadly we'll have to wait."

"It will be quite cool for the next four weeks because of north-westerly winds.

"We think it will be cooler than average by a degree or two.

"In the middle part of May you'd expect to see 13c (55f) or 14c (57f) but it's more like 12c (53f) indicated in the outlook.

"It doesn't sound like much of a difference but it's fairly significant."

Rain seems as distant a prospect as summer itself.

"There are regional differences but nowhere is forecast above average rainfall and in early May most areas will have below normal rainfall, particularly in the south and west," Mr Gromett said.

The bleak weather predictions for the next few weeks follow an unusually cold start to April.

Many places saw snow while parts of the Scottish glens endured freezing nights at minus 7c (19f).

Even when summer does eventually arrive it won't be one to remember, according to weathermen. Long-range forecasts predict 'normal' or 'average' temperatures.

Saturday's warm spell, which saw North Devon basking in 20c (68f), was the warmest day of the year so far. It arrived courtesy of warmer air from across Europe.

The extra chill will bring little cheer to those battling the winter blues.

But scientists believe a hormone pill could offer hope to sufferers of seasonal affective disorder, who find the dark winter months intolerable. Treatment usually involves exposure to light boxes, which simulate sunshine, counselling, exercise and spending time outdoors.

However a study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests melatonin may also help.

The hormone is naturally produced by the body when darkness falls and has previously been found to help overcome jetlag.

In a U.S. study, 68 patients with SAD were divided into three groups. One group received melatonin in the afternoon and one in the morning. The third group received a dummy pill.

The study found melatonin appeared to work best for those who had taken the drug in the afternoon.

The researchers believe the findings also show that SAD is linked to 'body clock' problems.

Most watched News videos