Longtime residents in Michigan may have noticed that the amount of snow being deposited from the sky this year has been noticeably higher than what we’re used to—so far this winter (through December) we’ve actually seen the most snow in eight years! As the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recorded, the average snowfall during November and December in the Detroit area in the past ten years is 11.4 inches. This year, December alone recorded 10.9 inches, and November brought the total to 16.8 inches, which is 5.4 inches higher than average.

Yet some members of our community didn’t seem to realize how much we’ve actually gotten this season. When interviewed, Senior Asha Misra said she thought we hadn’t gotten as much snowfall yet as normal, and Ms. Wesley, who teaches Earth and Space Science, concurred, saying, “I haven’t driven in bad snow yet.” Yet this conception is in large part due to when the snow has fallen: we only got our first snow day halfway through January, despite the higher numbers of snowfall. The most eligible snow day in December had already been written off as a Professional Development day, and many other larger storms came during weekends and the winter break.

The data doesn’t lie, even when our perceptions do: you have to go back to 2017 to find a year close out with as much snow as this one—eight years! So is there any reason for this winter weather blowout this year? Ms. Wesley gave a simple answer: “everything fluctuate[s].” She said that as moisture and temperature naturally move around in a range of different levels, the effect of course is observed by what we see falling from the sky. And it usually balances out—yearly totals rarely stray more than a dozen inches (two or three big snows difference) from the average total across the year. 

These observed increased levels naturally begs the question—will it continue? And, more relevant to students, will we use all our snow days? Misra was adamant. “We’re gonna get hit with another wave,” she asserted. It would be no surprise to her if we used up all six snow days. Ms. Wesley was a little more reserved in her estimation, understanding that it is pretty difficult to predict these kinds of things. Her approach is inevitably the best: high snowfall in one month is regularly followed up by lower than average months; a strong start is by no means a guarantee of an equally powerful close to the season. So will we see more snow, or use all or most of our snow days? Only time will tell.

But what is sure is that we will see some snow, and many new drivers will have to navigate the treacherous terrain. Snow will always slow down traffic and cause headaches even for experienced drivers; as Ms. Wesley said, she only likes the snow, “If I don’t have to drive anywhere.” Sergeant Prachar, our School Resource Officer, had some words of advice for new drivers: “Drive according to the road conditions,” he said. Sergeant Prachar explained that even if you are within the speed limit, if you can’t maintain control of your car you are speeding under law. He also encouraged drivers to be cognizant of dropping temperatures that approach freezing, especially around bridges. And of course, especially important for younger people, always wear your seatbelt and never use your phone, “anywhere on the road.” Sergeant Prachar clarified that new laws mean that even when stopped (say, at a red light), it is against the law to be using your phone. 

This winter has already been an exciting one, and more fun could very well be over the horizon! Either way, we’ve had the kind of snow we haven’t seen in years! For those fans of a little blanket of white around the town, it’s a good year to live in Michigan! Is more to come? We can only cross our fingers!