Snow reprieve for Shropshire as sun rises over Mere
As dawn broke over the Mere in Ellesmere it seems Shropshire and the UK have escaped a new Beast from the East – at least for now.
There were fears recent changes in the stratosphere, which last year led to heavy snow for the county, would mean a repeat in the coming week. But instead the plunge in temperatures has happened further east, hitting mainland Europe.
Up to a metre of snow has been forecast to fall on the Alps in the next few days, adding to that already fallen in Austria and southern Germany.
At least seven people have died and some Alpine resorts have been evacuated.
Severe avalanche warnings have been issued in some areas and skiers are being warned to take care and keep up to date with weather forecasts.
Further south west snow has even been falling on beaches in southern Italy. With the plunge of air from the north falling east of the UK, forecasters say Shropshire and Mid Wales can expect quiet conditions for the coming fortnight.
Yesterday’s sunshine has been a rare occurrence this winter and cloud and grey skies will be the norm with some drizzle Saturday. With no significant rainfall expected, the meres of Ellesmere have not recovered from last summer’s dry conditions, with The Mere noticeably lower than usual.
