FAMILIES can expect a relatively dry weekend during the Easter holidays, but forecasters are warning that scarves and coats will still be essential for people venturing outdoors.

One of the coldest starts to spring in recent years looks set to continue with temperatures expected to peak between 4-5C on Saturday and Sunday – below the average of 9C for this time of year.

Jim Bacon, a forecaster at Weatherquest, said north easterly winds combined with cold temperatures on the North Sea, are the main reasons behind the cold snap.

He added: “It will be remaining cold at the weekend with temperatures well below normal.

“If you get sunny spells at the weekend it will feel more spring like but there wll be some quite sharp night frost as well.”

Despite the poor forecast, people have been urged to get out and about during the Easter holidays to support the county’s tourism industry on the first big holiday weekend of the year.

Speaking to the EADT earlier this week, education and business minister, Matthew Hancock, said: “Small, local businesses are at the heart of our communities and already face enough challenges without freak outbreaks of snow and cold weather. Easter is almost here and many of you, like me, will still need to stock up on chocolate eggs for the kids, food for Easter Sunday and presents for visiting parents and in-laws.

“So I would encourage you to wrap up warm and head to your nearest high street to support local businesses.”

The poor start to spring looks set to continue for the next three weeks but Mr Bacon added that temperatures will begin to rise as we go into April.