A number of cheerful residents were enjoying the daffodils in Nowton Park today as the first real signs of Spring finally began to blossom across the region.

East Anglian Daily Times: Nowton Park turns a sea of yellow with thousands of daffodils flowering. Picture: GREGG BROWNNowton Park turns a sea of yellow with thousands of daffodils flowering. Picture: GREGG BROWN

We can say with some confidence that the Beast from the East is well and truly behind us, as the dreary weather that put a dampner on Easter weekend is set to make way for brighter skies and warmer temperaratures in the coming days.

Adam Dury, a forecaster for Weatherquest, said East Anglia can expect temperatures creeping towards 18 or 19C over the weekend, ahead of highs of 21C early next week.

While there is still a little bit of rain forecast, Friday will see some brighter spells with temperatures of 16 to 17C.

Temperatures could then rise to 18C on Saturday, accompanied by pleasant patches of sunshine.

While it’ll be a little cloudier on Sunday, temperatures could stretch to 19C, and there should still be some sunny spells across the region.

In fact, The MET Office warns that UV levels will peak at 4 (moderate) on the index scale at around 1pm on Satuday and Sunday.

Therefore residents across Suffolk and North Essex are encouraged to seek shade during midday hours, cover up and wear sunscreen.

Then on Monday and Tuesday temperatures are set approach 20 to 21C.

Mr Dury said the milder temperatures are a result of conditions warming up in the East.

Instead of the air picking up moisture and forming fog (which leads to a build up of cloud), there is drier air coming in from the continent.

The MET Office forecast for the week ahead states: “A changeable picture looks likely at the start of the period with bands of showers moving east across the UK.

“There will also be drier periods with some sunshine.

“Eastern areas will benefit from the driest weather and temperatures here could be rather warm.”

The warmer weather towards the end of the week will be a relief for some, as tomorrow and Thursday are set to bring somewhat darker skies.

Maximum temperatures of roughly 9C on Wednesday and 12C on Thursday will be accompanied by heavy cloud and high humidity levels.