As someone who has lived in Western New York my entire life, I’m used to the weather. One day it can be sunny and warm, and the next it’s a snow storm. You often hear that we experience all four seasons in one day…well, it’s totally possible. This winter was odd. It was abnormally warm, thanks to the El Nino currents and climate change. At first it was nice—you know, not being snowed in at school. As the season has gone on, we became very aware of the on-again/off-again weather.
1. It’s early November—why is there no snow, yet?
As Western New Yorkers, we’re used to getting snow as early as October. Remember the huge October snow storm in 2006? Yeah, me too. (How was that even 10 years ago!?) Now, it’s not normally as bad as that so soon, but there usually is snow. And there is definitely always snow in November.
2. I could totally get used to this “winter.”
It was a nice change, honestly. Not everyone likes the snow or winter…especially when you have to constantly walk across campus in it. It was nice to be able to enjoy the outdoors a little longer this year.
3. At this time last year, we were buried in 10 feet of snow.
It’s true. Last November, people had snow up to their roofs, and school was canceled for a week. Many started their Thanksgiving break late due to the inability to travel, so no one was going to complain that it was 65 and sunny!
4. Thank you, El Niño!
Everyone told us that it was because of El Niño—which it was. El Niño is a big wave of warm weather caused by ocean currents, specifically in the Pacific Ocean. But, anyway, if that was why it was so warm so late this year. Thank you!
5. Wow, a Thanksgiving without snow!
This is a very rare occurrence. Having snow on Thanksgiving is as normal as having it on Christmas! However, this year we didn’t, but like I said, it was a nice change.
6. Christmas mode enabled—bring on the snow!
This is it. This is where snow would be welcomed. As a 19-year-old who has lived in Western New York my entire life, I only remember one year when there was not snow on Christmas…but I still think that was a glitch in the system.
7. Christmas is in two weeks and I still see the grass…
*Continues to wait as patiently as possible*
8. Oh wait, there it is! Yay!
My, oh my! The first snowfall of the year! It’s so beautiful and white and fluffy! It’s finally a true Western New York Christmas!
9. Time to take pictures for Instagram!
I’m guilty, as are half of the people I follow. Even though we all have a window to look out of, it didn’t really happen unless there’s picture-proof.
10. Wait. It’s already melting! This is weird.
Well, it was nice while it lasted…the whole two days. Now we’re back on pretty warm weather.
11. No! Christmas is in three days!
Like I stated before, we always have snow on Christmas in Western New York. It’s December 23rd and most of us can go outside in a light sweater.
12. Welp, it’s 65 degrees on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Eve, oh, Christmas Eve. Can we even call it that without snow? Many holiday traditions revolve around the cold weather and/or snow. So, I guess we’ll drink frozen hot chocolate with the windows wide open.
I guess anything is possible.13. I’m just going to pretend that there’s snow outside…
For me, I need snow for Christmas. It just doesn’t feel the same without it. I’ll just pretend that it’s super cold outside and celebrate Christmas as I usually do. Bring on the pajamas and hot cocoa!
14. Now that Christmas is over, I’m OK with there not being snow.
The holiday season is over for me, so the snow no longer has an emotional tie on me. I like not slipping on ice, so it’s all okay.
15. It’s getting a lot colder, but still no snow.
I’m dressed like it’s winter, but it doesn’t look like winter outside. Maybe this is how people in the Southern states feel…
16. Oh, wait.
IS THAT A FLURRY I SEE?!
17. Yup, OK. There it is.
It is a flurry! Where was this snow when it was Christmas?! Where was it when everyone wanted it?
18. And there’s some more.
Oooooh, our first snow storm of the season, and it’s already January—just like old times.
I'm just going to stay inside today and not put myself or anyone else in danger.19. Aaaaaand it’s melting again, but it’s supposed to snow next week.
I would tell Mother Nature to make up her mind, but I live in Western New York so that's not going to happen.
20. Maybe this will be it.
This is the point where I just need the weather to be consistent. I don’t care if it’s an early spring or late winter. I would like it if my window wasn’t wide open one day, and I wake up the next morning with a small pile of snow on the windowsill.
21. Nope, it’s melting again.
And now that pile of snow is a puddle in my room…
22. It’s the middle of winter and it feels like spring…
This is not normal. Maybe this isn't just an odd year because of El Nino.
23. Punxetawney Phil hasn’t seen his shadow. That explains it.
Yay! Spring is coming early this year! Not that we expected anything different, but the thought of six more weeks of this "winter" is terrifying.
24. Aaand another snow storm.
The joys of living in Western New York! You always have to be ready for anything!
25. Oh wait, it will melt by Friday.
But did we really expect anything different? It's become a pattern!
26. I’m ready for spring… at least I have the proper clothing prepared.
I have all my winter and spring clothes all lined up because I never know what I'll have to wear! My heavy-duty snow boots are right next to my Converse by the door! I'm definitely prepared for this very indecisive winter... are you?
