RACHEL Underwood, assistant administrator at Castle Howard, admires the snowdrops in the gardens of the stately home, near Malton.

Spring already seems to have sprung in York - but the warm weather has been cut short by winter winds.

The 30-day period from January 13 to February 12 was the warmest since records began in 1659, with temperatures around 12C and 13C, according to the Press Association weather service. Spokesman Michael Dukes said the temperatures, which went up to 15c on some days, would have been enough to trigger an early spring. Flowers are blooming weeks earlier than usual with Castle Howard boasting daffodils, snowdrops, rhododendrons, azaleas and crocuses.

In the south of the country thousands of frogs began their mating season prematurely last week.

It is unusual to have such a long spell of warm weather, caused by winds from the south-west, at this time of year.

The temperature at this time of year is normally around 6C, with mild weather lasting only two or three days.

The bad news is that the weather is set to become colder than average over the next few days.

Cold winds from the north will bring snow showers and frost.

Mr Dukes said: "May 1906 was actually colder than that 30-day period. Spring came early but now it's gone again."

Brian Williams, of the City of York Council's parks department, said: "There has been a noticeable effect on the parks of York but it has not been dramatic."

Updated: 11:30 Wednesday, February 20, 2002