As we jump into the full swing of a new semester, it is clear that Michigan weather waits for no one. The past few weeks in southwest Michigan have definitely brought the Andrews University community a taste of winter wonderland. According to research done by the National Weather Service, Michigan has experienced lighter winters in recent years. This is because of the El Niño pattern, a system meteorologists use to predict weather patterns across the world based on those of the tropical Pacific. However, the 2024-25 season follows the La Niña pattern, which is characterized by harsher weather conditions and heavier snowfalls in the Northern area of the country. This data shows the 2023-24 winter season was one of the lightest the state has experienced in years. In fact, it was recorded as the warmest winter Michigan has seen in about 125 years. It seems this year, however, Michiganders have not been quite as lucky.
According to the American Online Library, Farmer’s Almanac, a yearly publication that specializes in news and weather, predicted that the Great Lakes Region can expect lower temperatures this winter than in past years. Michigan snow, specifically, is expected to be more “wet rather than white,” according to Sandi Duncan, editor of Farmer’s Almanac. The source also predicted that the harshest snowfall would take place between Jan. 20-27, which comes as no surprise, seeing that many classes on the Andrews campus were moved to online learning on Jan. 21 due to winter weather warnings. Thankfully, it was predicted that the coldest days of the season are behind us, with the lowest temperatures having taken place the last week of January moving into February.
Some AU students shared their perspectives on how they were weathering the storms. George Utuk (junior, computer engineering) shared his experience adjusting to the chilling Midwest weather in comparison to that of his hometown, Lagos, Nigeria.
“In Nigeria, we have what’s called Harmattan, and during that season, there's a lot of dry weather and dusty wind, so I am definitely used to warm weather,” he said. When asked what the biggest adjustment has been in a place that experiences winter, George replied, “I think the biggest problem for me has become the windchill, that’s probably the worst thing I’ve experienced.”
George shared one of the unique strategies he has devised to help himself adjust to Michigan’s chilly climate. “When I first got here, I wanted to develop some resistance, so I intentionally didn’t wear so many layers, and I would wear a bit less than I should, so I would get used to the feeling of being cold.”
Zaya Swainson (freshman, architecture) also shared her experience dealing with the winter in comparison to the tropical climate of Warwick Parish, Bermuda. When asked what the biggest change has been for her, Zaya shared, “I never had to wear this many layers and clothes before.” Zaya also shared that her least favorite part of winter is dealing with icy paths, “The dirty ice that’s everywhere on the street… no, that's not cute!” On the contrary, Swainson expressed that one of her favorite things about the recent change in environment was, “My favorite part is definitely throwing snowballs at [my friends],” she happily shared.
More locally, however, Lauren Murray (sophomore, business marketing) says her least favorite part of winter is always having to walk to class in the frigid weather, “I am not used to my hands being this cold after just being outside for a short amount of time, I had to invest in gloves, hats, all that.” However, Lauren feels like the most inconvenient part of winter is having to deal with snow getting her clothes wet. She shared, “I am always having to change my socks or shoes because snow is constantly getting inside… but in a way, it reminds me of having to change ‘cause of the sand at the beach,” replied the Florida native.
Unfortunately, for all of the springtime lovers in our Andrews community, the infamous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, predicted six more weeks of winter as of Sunday, Feb. 2. Remember to bundle up and stay warm until we see the sunlight at the end of the long winter tunnel!
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.