Warning over coldest May in 100 years

Winter weather is to return to the Midlands – with forecasters today warning people to brace themselves for the coldest May in 100 years.

Atlantic storms are headed towards the UK and in some areas temperatures are not expected to rise above 5C (41F).

The average daytime May temperature is 15C (59F).

Snow is also expected in parts of north and east England.

Piers Corbyn, of WeatherAction, said a system of cold air would get stuck over eastern regions for most of the month.

It comes following an unpredictable start to the year. One of the warmest and driest months of March on record led to early blooming spring flowers, followed by an unseasonably cool start to April with high winds and lashing rains battering the Midlands.

Rain water was today settling on roads across the region, including Wolverhampton's busy Cannock Road – despite the Midlands officially being declared in drought this week.

And now weather experts said temperature gauges in Wolverhampton are not due to reach above 10C (50F) until Sunday.

Many Easter bank holiday events were rained off due to the unexpected levels of rainfall.

But butterfly experts today revealed this year's unusual start has not dampened the spirits of the butterfly population, with numbers of some of the rarest species on the rise again.

Dr Tom Brereton, head of monitoring at Butterfly Conservation, said the record-breaking warm spring last year had meant the insects emerged weeks earlier than usual.

"The great spring weather provided respite for our beleaguered butterflies but wide-ranging conservation efforts are needed to reverse long-term declines," he said.