Last winter, we had one of the worst winters since 2008. Most notable was the historic blizzard, the “Snowpocalypse” that covered the city on the first two days of February with over 20 inches of snow in just 24 hours. This storm forced hundreds of people in Chicago, who became stuck on Lakeshore Drive to abandon their vehicles. At Bishop Noll, the Catholic Schools Week programs were delayed and the CSW mass was canceled. This also caused us to have an early dismissal, two days off from school and a late start. If you thought last winter was terrible, get ready to pull out your shovels and snow blowers because meteorologists are predicting that this winter will be the worst in Chicago and just as bad as last year.
According to accuweather.com, expert Meteorologist and leader of the forecast team, Paul Pastelok said that this year’s winter will be similar to last winter. The only difference though is that last year, Chicago was hit with heavy snow later in the season. This year, it will be earlier.
Students are getting excited for the snow, and they are also starting to prepare for the cold winter.
“I’m psyched for the snow!” said junior Beth Maio. “I even went out to get new gloves and a scarf!”
Junior Xavier Villagomez is also excited for winter weather.
“Of course I’m excited for the snow,” Villagomez said. “Snow means Christmas, presents and food. The snow puts me in a cheerful mood and I‘ve prepared for it by wearing warmer clothing.”
This will be the fifth year in a row with snowfall well above normal and temperatures well below average for the city. The average amount of snow in Chicago is estimated to be 39 inches. This year we are expected to have 55 inches. Bitter cold weather is expected to come along during December. The temperatures are forecast to below normal into January, then perhaps move a bit closer to normal in February. But the buildup of snow across the Midwest and Great Lakes could prolong the colder-than-normal weather beyond February and into the early Spring.