Medway was basking in glorious sunshine today as the mild weather continued this week.

A stunning sunrise was followed by cloudless skies, although temperatures are forecast to fall by the weekend.

Flowers have been confused by the temperatures and are blooming months early and birds returning to our balmy shores.

“The higher then average temperatures of late have been caused by a South Westerly airflow, which for the UK is usually a mild direction.” Shaun Maltby of kent-weather.co.uk explains.
“Looking ahead we are more likely to see temperatures close to or a little above average (the average for Kent overall is 8-9°C) which is bought about by high pressure moving across the UK giving settled conditions.”
The Kent Wildlife Trust has reported sightings of blackbirds and robins, as well as great spotted woodpeckers drumming away in Queendown Warren preparing their nests weeks ahead of normal schedule.

But there was a word of warning from Ray Lewis of The Kent Wildlife Trust who said: “If it gets cold some birds might struggle and lose their young.”
The trust reported early snowdrops, hazel catkins and even ladybirds.

Homeleigh Nurseries Garden Centre, Rochester, has reported primroses grown for Mothers Day on March 18 already in bloom. Daffodils, camelias and roses are also months ahead of schedule as well as an abutus - a Madagascan strawberry tree, which blooms once a year - is bearing flowers for the third time since October a first since it was planted more than 30 years ago.

Have you experienced unusual behaviour among wildlife or plants due to the weather? Let us know by filling the comments section below or phoning the newsdesk on 01634 227803.