We’re now at the halfway point of the school year and the snowy season has come and gone. This year Arlington has already around 9 inches of snow so far with amounts varying throughout the county.
Those who’ve been in Arlington for the past few years are aware of how little snow we’ve gotten to experience within the past few years, so what made this year so different? Was it expected to be yet another snowless year this time or were meteorologists predicting a White Christmas? And what was all the talk about the snowstorm that passed through the United States and placed Arlington right in the middle of the storm?
Over the past few years, Arlington has seen varying chances for snow to little avail. The past few years, while statistically showing snow, often overlook how quickly the snow melts by the time students are waking up from their slumbers. The last time there was such a significant amount of snow in Arlington is said to have been the winter of 2022, where areas of Arlington received around 7 inches of snow in the early January.
Arlington has consistently been just out of reach of many snowstorms for the past few years, resulting in an average of 3-5 inches of snow each year that barely sticks around until morning for most. Early November, the chances were not looking too bright for snow. NBC Washington had predicted a below average snowfall for the general area, which was evidently incorrect afterwards.
Before Winter Break, 11 ACC students predicted 0-3 inches of snow for Winter 24-25, which means that almost no one had any hope for snow.
Freshman Jaslin Escobar said, “The climate is changing fast, so I doubt we’ll get snow.” But little did Jaslin and many others know, the sky already had a plan to prove to everyone who had no faith that there would be snow. After our January storm, Jaslin updated us with her opinions of the weather, saying, “It’s great but sometimes trying to get home is horrible because they don’t clean the roads in some neighborhoods.”
This week, the forecast calls for snow on Tuesday afternoon with a possibility of 3-7”. On Wednesday, there’s a chance of snow and light rain. The question is, will APS cancel school again? Surveying students again in the Commons, most people are predicting between 2-3 inches. According to the Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog, we have about 5 more weeks of winter. So far, we’ve used 3 of our 10 allotted Snow Days in APS. Most students think we’ll use 2 or 3 more school days, and some more optimistic kids think we’ll use 6-10.
How do ACC’s students feel about more snow? Carlos Tobar doesn’t sound too excited: “I fell twice walking to school. I don’t really like when it snows for that reason especially.”
Peter Miller agrees, saying “It’s harder to get to places, driving, biking and walking. It’s very dangerous to go outside on days like these.”
Of course, there are always people who look forward to snow days because, “I get to hang outside and play with friends.”
Whatever weather happens tomorrow and in the coming weeks, stay safe and have fun.
