At last, the good news - it's going to be a dry spring

As the evenings lighten, the threat of heavy rain is shifting southwards - with the Midlands, west country and Wales most at risk.

Accuweather said the threat of heavy rain would wane across northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland - with just “typical spring showers but subdued rain and snow”.

But the Midlands and south should expect rainy spells, with an increased risk of flooding, it said.

The milder northern forecast follows widespread flooding in Yorkshire and Cumbria from late-December. Keswick saw more than 36 inches of rain in December, more than double its average for the entire winter season.