SOMERSET will not be pummelled by a third ‘Beast from the East’ this Easter as originally feared, forecasters say.

However, there is the possibility of ‘hill snow’ over the weekend and heavy rain is also expected today and tomorrow (Good Friday).

The Met Office said: “It will be a rather wet start to today (Thursday), with some heavy outbreaks of showery rain. Rumbles of thunder and hail are possible in these showers through the day, but they will start to ease into the evening. Maximum temperature 10 degrees Celsius.

Somerset County Gazette:

Coal Orchard Car Park on March 19

“After a few evening showers (tonight), it will become dry towards midnight. Under clear skies a frost will develop, and then some rain is possible in the far south later. Minimum temperature one degrees Celsius.

“The rain in the south will soon move across the South West tomorrow (Good Friday), with heavy outbreaks and perhaps some snow over the moors and higher ground. Maximum temperature 9 degrees Celsius.

“The outlook for Saturday to Monday is it is likely to stay rather cold, with some sunny spells and showers. Saturday will be the driest day, however, rain and hill snow is possible later Sunday into Monday.”

Bookmakers Ladbrokes cut the odds for a White Easter last week as forecasters said a third cold spell could threatens to bring more heavy snow and disruption.

The Beast from the East brought chaos to Somerset at the beginning of the month while more wintry weather brought fun and frustration in equal measure ten days ago.