A YEAR ago today, East Yorkshire was basking in record temperatures.
People flocked to the region's beaches to make the most of the dry, sunny weather – with temperatures exceeding 20C.
What a difference a year makes, with today's temperature expected to peak at just 3C.
Icy winds, heavy rain and flurries of snow have swept across the region, forcing people to wrap up warm and leave their shorts, sandals and sunglasses in their wardrobes a little longer.
And the bitter weather is showing no signs of easing, despite spring being officially under way and the clocks going forward this weekend.
The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning to East Yorkshire, which facing more extreme cold weather and icy conditions.
The "yellow warning", which was in place until 9am this morning, means people should be aware of potentially dangerous conditions.
Forecaster Charles Powell said: "East Yorkshire hasn't been the worst area affected by the weather.
"But it has had to face much colder conditions than are normal for this time of year.
"The region has been very frosty and icy, with freezing temperatures – and it is likely to see the same conditions over the next week."
He said the temperature was below normal for the time of year.
"Regions in the East of England have seen an average temperature of 2.7C," said Mr Powell.
"This is nearly three degrees below the normal temperature for March, which is usually five or 6C.
"This is an unusually large margin."
The Met Office forecasts more snow flurries – albeit, fewer and further between – meaning we could be facing a white Easter.
It has also issued a "level three" cold weather alert – with icy winds of up to 30mph sweeping the region. People in East Yorkshire have been advised to wear extra layers of clothing to prevent loss of body heat. They have also been warned to take care when driving and to be aware of potential disruptions to travel.
Leeds Bradford Airport and Humberside Airport have been forced to cancel a number of flights this month because of the icy weather.
And a spokesman for Hull City Council said a 24-hour gritting crew was on standby to monitor the weather conditions and road surface temperatures.
Age UK Hull has encouraged people to check on their elderly neighbours during the wintry spells.
Services manager Ann Smith said: "The cold weather isolates elderly people and can put them at risk of falls, the flu and even death.
"They will need to wear extra layers of clothing and maybe even use blankets to stay warm."
Tomorrow is likely to be the warmest day of the week, with the mercury still only expected to hit 4C.
But a strong easterly wind is likely to make it feel sub-zero.
And the chilly conditions could last until April – with forecasters saying it has been the coldest March in the UK since 1963.
It seems holiday companies may be the only ones not complaining about the weather.
More than two million people in the UK are expected to flee to sunnier climates for the Easter holidays.
And travel agents in Hull are reporting an increase in sales – with Thomson and Dawson & Sanderson, both in Paragon Street, Hull city centre, saying they have seen a "huge boost" in holiday bookings to hot countries.
• Gallery: Freezing March 2013 v boiling March 2012!
