What a difference a year makes.
Braintree and Witham has enjoyed unseasonably warm weather in the past week, but it was a very different story 12 months ago.
A covering of snow blighted the area through to the end of March, and forecasters warned residents they might be shivering until the summer.
But last weekend, with temperatures in Essex reaching 18C, some sun spotters may even have been tempted to start building up their tan.
Tom Defty, of the Essex Weather Centre, said: “We can’t say winter has been and gone because it never arrived.
“Spring is here and looking at the charts and forecasts for the next few weeks, it’s looking pretty good.
“Temperatures are going to be in double figures, which is above average."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here