Citizens who have lived in Erie for the majority of their lives have come to recognize a few constants they can rely on seeing every year. Typically, we are used to seeing an early fall that gives way to a long harsh winter. However, this year the trend appears to be breaking. On Dec. 9 students began loosening their ties as a “heat wave” came through with temperatures nearing the low 60s. For this time of year, it is a shock to feel weather this warm, especially with the snow outputs from recent years. Prep senior Austin Hancock commented,”I do enjoy the warmer weather this time of year, but would like to see some snow on Christmas and New Years. It just won’t be the same without it.”
Last year, snow had begun falling well before Thanksgiving. The legendary snowfall in Buffalo was only the precursor to what would end up being one of the harshest winters in recent memory. Nov. 13 was the snowiest day of all last year in Erie, when a whopping 12.6 inches fell. With the snowfall this year, however, it seems as though we are approaching anything but a white Christmas much to the dismay of many Cathedral Prep students. Senior Daniel Anthony added, “I miss being able to do doughnuts in the West Erie Plaza parking lot.”
The snow totals have been well below average this season, with record warm temperatures on more than one occasion so far this December. So far, this winter has been a complete turnaround from last year’s brutal weather. By this time last year, we had persistent lake effect snow, which led to Erie being in the top 5 cities for total snow fall. Although many citizens are loving this weather, it’s only a matter of time before the snow starts falling.