November has been one of the mildest in recent memory – but a year ago today the scene was very different as Shropshire was plunged into one of the coldest winters in history.

The unusually warm weather has seen leaves remain on trees for longer and some animals still have not gone into hibernation, with temperatures expected to reach 12C (53F) in Shrewsbury today.

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But this time last year Shropshire was frozen, under as much as 10 inches of snow in parts, after a strong northerly wind gripped the county. Back then thermometer readings were as low as -2.5C (27F).

Bosses at the Met Office today said if the warm spell continues it could make it into the record books.

A spokesman for the weather company said: “Last year we were already seeing wide spread snow but this November has been completely different across the whole of the UK.

“We are heading towards the warmest autumn across the UK since 2006 and the second warmest in the last 100 years.

“Temperatures across Shropshire have been two degrees above the long term average for the county at this time of year.”

He added the reason for the warm spell all came down to wind direction.

“Last year we saw northerly winds which brought the lasting snow but this November we have had more southerly winds and there is a large area of high pressure to the east of the UK.

“But it will be a breezy weekend in Shropshire and there will be some dust travelling over from the Welsh hills today and tomorrow.”

Last year’s snow saw ambulance crews struggling but Barry Thurston, director of service delivery for West Midlands Ambulance Service, said things will be different this year.

“The trust has invested in having additional levels of stock available should any supplies be disrupted by bad weather.

This includes consumables like medical supplies and grit for our ambulance stations.

“Together they will be able to treat more patients in their own homes rather than take them to hospital.”