After several seasons of rain, sun and wind, the commonly trademarked “time of year” is finally here. With the coming of winter, not only festive cheer and a dwindling end to the year have made their appearances, but the ever-significant change of scenery has as well with the accompaniment of flurries of snow with severe drops in temperatures. Many have negative opinions about the cold and share a common lament for it even with respect to its brevity.
But winter has its challenges. The annual coating of the state with snow leads many Illinoisans to dread the thought of adhering to the season’s requirements, with Saint Viator students being no exception. For clothing alone, one can expect to have to start wearing hats, earmuffs, heavier jackets, thermal innerwear for especially cold days, gloves to keep one’s hands warm and shoewear suited to trekking through several inches of what had previously been known year-round as ‘the ground.’
“The worst part about winter clothing is having to take it off for a short drive only to have to put it on again,” said junior Zach Waltuck. “It’s impossible to take my coat off after I’m in the car, and if I don’t it gets too uncomfortable and hot.”
Apart from apparel, winter prompts the proofing of sidewalks, roads and cars. Such protection is necessary, as ice can cause major car accidents, though it takes several vehicles to plow and salt throughout the season. In 2021 alone, the Illinois Department of Transportation used up over half a million tons of salt to combat ice and secure common pathways. Illinoisans also have to do their part around the home by salting driveways, placing driveway markers and replacing car tires with winter tires for better traction on potentially slippery roads.
“I usually help out my parents when it comes to removing snow off the driveway, cleaning our cars of snow as well as salting our sidewalk,” said junior Mark Kabuye.
This year, however, the common chilly temperatures that the Arlington Heights area is accustomed to may not be featured due to this year’s El Niño. An environmental phenomenon that leads to adverse temperatures in North America, El Niño causes greater snow specifically in western and eastern regions of the United States. Yet for the Arlington Heights area in the state of Illinois, El Niño tends to bring less snow – to the relief of many.
“It would definitely be nice not to have as much snow as other winters!” said freshman Brayden Loeffler.