Pennsylvania: A Winter Wonderland
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Pennsylvania: A Winter Wonderland

There's nothing quite like it.

89
Pennsylvania: A Winter Wonderland
Gordon Beck

In Pennsylvania, winter is something to be reckoned with, especially if you're one of the poor, unfortunate souls who lives in Northwestern Pennsylvania aka "The Snow Belt."

Winter here is brutal: Snow up to your knees, eyes and nose frozen by the breeze and; yet, life doesn't cease.

Pennsylvania is a winter wonderland in which many don't get the chance to experience. So, here's what winter is like from one of the snowiest cities in the nation.

1. Watching the weather report regularly

Only 3 inches of snow last night? What a blessing.

Or, 8-12 inches expected within the next 24 hours - bring it on Pennsylvania.

2. Needing layers upon layers upon layers

Forget dressing to be cute or comfortable, when living in Pa. in the winter one dresses for warmth - even if at the expense of looking like the Michelin Man.

3. Never-ending snowfall

"I plowed the driveway this morning, I'll be fine for awhile..."

Yeah, think again.

Winter in Pennsylvania requires consistent plowing and even then there is still excess snow.

4. Extremely cold temperatures

Temperature gauge: 30 Degrees

Real temperature: 15 Degrees (Thank you, wind chill).

5. Being excited to see 40 degrees

Can you say "tropical heat wave?"

6. Snow can't stop you from going anywhere

There may be 8 inches of snow that fell overnight, wind chill that dips the temperature to the low 20s, and roads covered in snow and ice but it doesn't matter, a little winter weather can't stop you.

7. Taking extra time to clear the snow off the vehicle

I could've left 15 minutes ago if it weren't for all this snow and ice to clear off.

8. Hearing "just take your time."

"Just Take Your Time" aka Pennsylvania's version of goodbye.

Winter in Northwestern Pennsylvania's "Snow Belt" isn't for the faint of heart. It takes someone who is slightly crazy and not afraid to turn into the abominable snowman each time they step outdoors. Even though Pennsylvanian's love to complain about the bone-chilling cold, and feet of yearly snowfall, they wouldn't trade their winter wonderland for the world. It may sound crazy to those who don't live in this area as to why someone would voluntarily put up with this miserable weather but it's how we were raised and having survived another Pa. winter is a victory. Plus, we get to the last laugh when the Southerns declare a State of Emergency over their mere dusting of snow.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

92626
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

71041
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments