FORECASTERS have played down rumours of a white Easter in Dorset amid speculation that the Beast from the East will return for a third time.

Dorset looks set to enjoy the splendours of spring this weekend and into Easter as temperatures are expected to rise.

Rain is forecast for tomorrow and some showers are expected over the weekend, however, the Met Office says temperatures are likely to rise to a maximum of around 11 degrees Celsius, making last weekend’s chilly weather a distant memory.

Speculation about a third bashing from the Beast from the East have been played by meteorologists, who say a white Easter is unlikely in Dorset.

However, they have told residents to expect the arrival of cold air.

Martin Bowles of the Met Office said: “From the middle of next week and into the Easter weekend, there is a signal for cold air to move in from the northwest. Temperatures will reach around 5-6 degrees Celsius in the day time and overnight frosts may return. However, no further snow is expected in Dorset over Easter and indeed until next winter. So no more beasts, no more easterly’s, no white Easter … but more cold(ish) air.”