SPRING may well be on the way but East Lancashire has been told to brace for more snow.

Experts said sightings of wild flowers, including snowdrops, and ladybirds and butterflies have already been reported this year.

But forecasters have issued a severe weather warning of snow for tomorrow and Thursday.

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Dr Kate Lewthwaite, Woodland Trust citizen science manager, said: “People still seem to be surprised to see snowdrops and butterflies in early January, but our warmer climate in recent years means this is now pretty common.

“Records added to Nature’s Calendar have enabled scientists to learn how trees, plants and wildlife adapt to our changing climate.

“If we can ensure our natural environment is diverse, resilient and interconnected it will make it easier for wildlife to adjust to.”

National Trust’s national specialist on nature and wildlife, Matthew Oates, said: “Spring has been calling for some time, due to a mild autumn, December and early January. The signs are all around us.

“Hazel catkins were quite prominent in southern England before Christmas and are now well in flower, such that some hay fever suffers – like me – are already experiencing symptoms.”

“Spring’s advance has now been checked by the arrival of the first cold snap since March 2013. Perhaps spring needed slowing down, as early springs are risky and almost always end in tears.”

The Met Office said increasingly cold conditions will replace rain across East Lancashire through tomorrow, Thursday, and Friday.

There will be wintry showers over most parts, with snow likely building up, especially at higher levels, a spokesman said.

Wind speeds could reach 58mph, with temperatures threatening to dip below freezing, he added.

“It will likely turn even colder through the weekend with sleet and snow showers frequent across northern parts, with overnight frost and ice,” he said.

“Strong northerly winds will accentuate the cold with a significant wind chill. These conditions may last into early February.”