After several days of temperatures reaching the upper 50s and low 60s, West Chicago may be in for another shift. Rain expected the evening of Feb. 19 could turn to snow by morning, with highs dropping into the 30s this weekend — a reminder that winter may not be over just yet.
The weather in West Chicago has been beyond bipolar this past year – storms, sunshine, and snow – but lately, the sun has been shining bright and keeping everyone at WEGO warm.
On Groundhog Day, Phil, the Pennsylvania groundhog, predicted six more weeks of winter, but that does not seem like the case. In an article written by USA Today, it was determined that Phil is only accurate 35% of the time.
“In previous years, Februarys were our coldest months, and so it’s crazy to see that it’s reaching almost 60 degrees late February… especially with – what was it – the groundhog that predicted six more weeks of winter?” senior Andrea Guerrero said. “So it’s like, is he wrong? Was he always wrong? Did we just miscalculate it? And it’s definitely a concern that our earth, overall, is just turning really warm, and we’re not going to be able to get our long winters in.”
According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, there has been rapid climate change that is affecting the state. Temperatures are increasing and are up 3.6 degrees in the last 50 years.
Contrastingly, warm weather has many positive effects on mental health including improved mood and memory.
Despite Illinois’ mercurial weather, students at West Chicago Community High School reported they enjoyd the sunshine that peeked through the winter clouds.
“I feel like it definitely helps me, especially when I walk home: I just feel like the wind in my face, and it’s a very — I guess — a happy feeling to see the sun… it’s not so hot to the point where you’re irritated, but it’s in between winter and summer… it’s very nice,” Guerrero said.
There have been reports of unusual weather for a late winter season, and this week, central Illinois hit a high of 71 degrees. There has also been an abundance of “dirty rain,” which occurs when dust and other particles get transported from other areas. This could result in residue getting stuck to cars and windows.
The return to colder weather, however, does not come as a surprise to some Illinois natives.
“I don’t think it’s gonna last. I feel like it’ll be cold again soon,” senior Nick Jimenez said.
Some, like Guerrero, questioned whether the record high temperatures were the result of climate change. Climate change has been linked to rising temperatures, and sustainability efforts are often cited as ways to help slow its effects. According to the United Nations website, turning off the lights in an empty room, recycling, and taking anti-waste precautions are the best ways to help decrease the speed of climate change.
Whether the temperature is a result of climate change or an early spring, it is important for members of the community to enjoy the weather while it lasts while also being mindful of their environmental impact.
“Just go outside, go for a walk. It’s nice out, so enjoy it while it’s good and not crazy hot. This weather doesn’t last that long during the year,” Jimenez said.