Spring is sprung! What a difference three weeks make
The difference between these two pictures is astonishing – yet the photos were snapped just three weeks apart at the same beauty spot in Shropshire.
The scenes were captured by Shropshire Star photographer Andy Cunningham in Apley Woods, near Leegomery in Telford.
But whereas the first, taken on March 23, shows a picture postcard winter scene, the daffodils are finally enjoying some sunshine in the photo taken yesterday. They prove that spring has finally sprung in the county.
And according to Met Office experts the cold and snow may have finally gone, making way for temperatures of up to 17C (62F) forecast to arrive by the middle of next week.
Eddy Carroll, chief forecaster at the Met Office, said that while a few showers may persist across the county, temperatures will be rising and Shropshire should be enjoying more seasonal weather during the next week.
He said: "The maximum temperature today will be 13C (55F) with rain slowly clearing north through the morning.
"It will become drier and brighter by the afternoon but with showers developing in places, locally heavy and thundery," he added.
"There will be sunshine and showers tomorrow and staying rather cool at 11C (51F) but then it will turn milder and windier through the weekend with Sunday possibly reaching 17C (62F)."
Tourist attractions are also looking forward to welcoming the extra visitors the sunshine is expected to bring out.
Rachel Mottram, spokeswoman for Park Hall Farm, near Oswestry, said although the farm had been busy since Good Friday, staff expect even more people if the weather is good.
"I think a little bit of sunshine always brings out more people and makes them happy," she said.
Paul Gossage, from the Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust, said: "We are looking forward to the warm temperatures and bright sunshine which will no doubt bring visitors from across the West Midlands to enjoy the splendour of the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site and the many museums.
"Blists Hill Victorian Town is always a great hit when the sun shines as visitors can explore the historic streets and still enjoy the sunshine."
