WHAT a difference a year makes!

Dorset may be basking in glorious sunshine now but this time last year we were shivering as temperatures plunged to minus two degrees overnight, feeling like minus ten.

Bournemouth Echo: UPDATED: Snow and gale force winds to hit Dorset

The county saw snow accompanied by icy gale force winds with the Met Office issuing warnings as a wave of freezing weather swept in.

Bournemouth Echo:

While the snowfall didn't close schools or affect transport, gritters were out in force and even Bournemouth Pier had to be closed due to ice.

Bournemouth Echo:

With spring officially set to begin next week, fortunately there are no signs we could be in for a late blast of winter weather.

Temperatures set to remain around 13 degrees across the weekend and sunshine forecast for Sunday.

Looking further ahead, the Met Office outlook from Tuesday, March 18 until Thursday, March 27 says: "Most of England and Wales should remain dry with variable cloud and clear or sunny spells. Cloud may be thick enough for the odd spot of drizzle on Tuesday.

"It is likely to be more unsettled further north with spells of rain and brisk winds. Some heavy rain is possible in northwestern Scotland on Tuesday but it may well be brighter in the far north.

"Temperatures should stay around average and it will feel warm in the sunshine. Through the latter part of the week cloud and occasional rain may spread further south but the southwest of England could stay dry.

"It may then turn colder, clearer and more showery for a time by the end of the week. Milder conditions should then return from the southwest thereafter."