Derek's Weatherwatch - Easter warnings

BBC Wales weatherman Derek Brockway predicts changeable weather over the Easter weekend.

In the last few days, spring has sprung with the whole of Wales basking in sunshine.

In Wales, the odds of having snow at Easter are greater than at Christmas

Derek Brockway

But don't be fooled, as the weather usually has a few tricks up its sleeves during March and April.

There has not been much in the way of snow this winter but, just when you thought it was safe to put those long johns away, the weather can suddenly turn colder, with sharp frosts and snow.

In fact the odds of having snow at Easter are greater than at Christmas in Wales.

Of course, the date of Easter varies from year to year - but how is the date decided?

Since AD 325, Easter Sunday has been calculated as the first Sunday after the first full moon to occur after 20 March - the nominal date of the spring equinox in the northern hemisphere, the date of which was decided by the Christian Church.

As a result, Easter Day can fall on any of the 35 days from 22 March to 25 April.

But even if the date were fixed, there would still be big variations from year to year.

And if Easter is early, there is a chance that some parts of the country will get snow.

Variable conditions

As you might expect though, the later the date of Easter, the better the weather is likely to be.

Traditionally, it is not often fine for all the four days from Good Friday to the Bank Holiday Monday.

The Easter weekend can bring sunshine

Records show that, time and time again, a fine start to the long weekend will go downhill, or the best day is reserved for the Monday.

Sometimes the fine weather does not arrive until after the Easter break.

As for this year, it looks like Good Friday will be fine and sunny.

Saturday will turn cloudier with a few scattered showers, although there will be dry, bright periods as well.

But on Sunday, it looks like the weather will really go pear shaped with wind and rain.

So, if you are planning a mini break away, take a bucket and spade but don't forget to pack that raincoat!

Happy Easter to you all, and try not to eat too many easter eggs!

See Derek Brockway on Wales Today at 1330GMT and 1830GMT weekdays on BBC One Wales and hear him on BBC Radio Wales.

Click here to watch the Wales Today webcast, or here to listen to BBC Radio Wales live online.

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