Although recent warm temperatures may have lulled students into a false sense of security that winter's end is near, Environmental Sciences Prof. Robert E. Davis said this year's winter has in fact been one of the most severe in recent past and there still is more arctic air ahead.
This past weekend, University students enjoyed temperatures as high as the mid-60s.
Over the past two years, Charlottesville has been a victim of exceedingly cold winters, Davis said, adding that this is mostly due to cold air being pulled down from Canada.
The force behind the phenomenon is a jet stream located below the state of Virginia. If the jet stream is found below the state for most of the winter season, Virginia can experience uncharacteristically cold weather.
Lately, the trend in weather patterns has made life for many University students more difficult.
"The cold weather makes it hard to leave the house and go to class," third-year College student Dave Vitto said. "I feel like it has hurt my grades."
But luckily for students, winter cold is not an unyielding force.
"It's common to have a warm week in February," Davis said. "Temperatures can sometimes average 15 degrees warmer than usual."
Vitto said the weekend's break from the chill gave him a chance to get outdoors and recharge.
"It's nice to go outside without a jacket," he said. "It gives students a chance to study outside in the sun."
Student athletes also benefited from the warm weather.
"During winter many spring athletes are forced to practice indoors," said James Atchison, a third-year Commerce student and track and field athlete. "Any time you can venture outside it is a relief. Warm weather makes it easier for track athletes to train and lifts attitudes. We can peel off layers of clothing and just run."
Businesses on the Corner were flooded by students this weekend looking to enjoy the weather.
"The first warm weekend of the year is always good for business -- we open up the outside and the kids come out to eat and drink," Biltmore Grill Staff Manager Giles Flowers said. "As it gets closer to spring, we see business incrementally increasing."
Students may have to be satisfied with the brief break in the cold, however because this week's forecast calls for temperatures as low as the mid-20s and a chance of snow tomorrow, according to the National Weather Service Web site.
Read More
Health System Board discusses two recent $25 million donations
By Nina Broderick | YesterdayThe Board also discussed the goals and vision of the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology and voted to approve the fiscal year 2026 operating budget.
Honor Committee discusses fall Support Officer recruitment
By Bertie Azqueta | YesterdayThe Support Officer pool is chosen by existing Senior Support Officers and the Selection and Recruitment Committee members through an application and interview process.
Previewing the June meeting of the Board of Visitors
By Cecilia Mould | 4 days agoBefore the full Board meets, members of each Committee will convene in separate meetings to discuss business and vote on action items Thursday and Friday.
