With an average temperature of around 22 degrees Fahrenheit, this winter was the coldest since 2015 in Ithaca, according to the National Weather Service. For many Cornell students, this was the coldest winter they’ve experienced while on the hill. However, more spring-like temperatures are on the horizon.
While March featured some spring weather, with highs hitting 70 degrees Fahrenheit three days straight from March 10 to 12, allowing many to once again enjoy Cornell’s vast lawns, the warmth did not hold up.
Looking at data from the Northeast Regional Climate Center (headquartered in Ithaca), the back half of March was cold and wet. The start of this month has been no different, with flash flooding being no joke on April 1.
On Tuesday, Cornell students will be lucky to see temperatures rise above freezing in the afternoon. Even if they do, with ferocious winds and snow showers, feels-like temperatures will not break 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
When will the cold and dreary weather finally go away?
Based on this week’s outlook, it appears spring is coming. The real question is if it’s here to stay.
The National Weather Service predicts above average temperatures for next week. With highs averaging in the low 50s this time of year in Ithaca, Cornellians should expect highs in the 60s next week. And in two weeks, with average temperatures forecasted by the National Weather Service through May 1, Cornellians can expect high temperatures in the 60s as the semester comes to a close.
While Ithaca is still slated to see some dreary days of rain and it isn’t beach weather quite yet, the return of comfortable weather, the singing of birds, the blossoming of trees and the subsequent migration of students out of the Cocktail Lounge promises to lighten the mood of campus in spite of the encroaching finals season.
