Daffodils coming too early?

Walking in the University campus I noticed daffodil spikes poking up between the dead leaves and some were even starting to show golden heads.

It’s usual at this time to see snowdrop spikes (as shown on the right), gradually getting taller as January wears on, but should daffodils be doing the same?

There is a threat of snow this weekend, and even though spring flowers have always bounced back after a freeze or fall of snow, I still feel sorry for them as they strive to recover.

It may halt their progression to get into full flower, but the delay will only put them back into the correct schedule with all the others.

Last year I remember seeing daffodils flowering in January and that felt really weird – they were positioned in a really protected area – and I’m sure it did them no good.