THERE’S an early taste of April in the air this week with the weather forecast predicting showers, showers and more showers.

But there’s also the warning of some gale force winds, although we will have spells of decent sunshine in between. Typical Manx weather really!

Some of the rain is likely to be similar to the weather we have had in the last few days, very heavy at times. So, it’s not going to be a week for doing too much with the lawnmower.

However, if you choose the right day then there’s every chance of some genuine warmth in the sunshine. It will depend very much on the wind - and there are some gales in prospect. The best day of the week? It looks like being Tuesday, but Thursday could be OK too.

The signs of spring are definitely here though with lots of snowdrops already in full flower. Gorse is also starting to show some colour and there’s even the first signs of cherry blossom on some trees in sheltered areas.

If you have any interesting weather photographs we would be pleased to publish the best. Send to newsroom@isleofman.com

THIS WEEK’S FORECAST:

Monday, February 7:
Weather:  Spells of rain, becoming patchy. Fair in the afternoon.
Wind:  S or SW 35 to 40 max, backing to 10 to 15 overnight
Min:  6. Max:  7.
Visibility:  Moderate becoming good.

Tuesday, February 8:
Weather:  Fair, rain later.
Wind:  S to SW.  10 to 25 later.
Min:  5. Max:  9.
Visibility:  Good, becoming moderate / poor.

Wednesday, February 9:
Weather:  Rain at times.
Wind:  S 20 to 25.
Min:  7. Max:  9.
Visibility:  Good occasionally moderate.
 
Thursday, February 10:
Weather:  Sunny intervals, then rain.
Wind:  NW 10-15, then SE 20-25.
Min:  4. Max:  9.
Visibility:  Good becoming moderate
 
Friday, February 11:
Weather:  Rain at times.
Wind: S 20-25, then W to NW.
Min:  5. Max:  10.
Visibility:  Moderate or good.