It may be sunny now, but it was far chillier this time last year.
Daffodils in bloom last year would have been covered by a blanket of snow.
Residents reported snow drifts and icy roads, just a week after the district enjoyed temperatures of 18C.
Tom Defty, of the Essex Weather Centre, put it down to a cold air mass from the Arctic, which had passed over Europe.
However this month, as temperatures reached 18C, he said: “We can’t say winter has been and gone because it never arrived.
“Spring is here and looking at the charts and forecasts for the next few weeks, it’s looking pretty good.
“Temperatures are going to be in double figures, which is above average."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here