Spring time in Logan, is the warm weather here to stay?
Utah’s weather has often been described as bipolar by its residents.
With 80 degrees in Nov. and 30 degrees in April, people can still be found swimming in outdoor pools near the end of the year, but have to shovel their driveways for Easter.
Logan is nestled up against the beautiful mountains overlooking Cache Valley. Because of its prime mountain location and proximity to the canyon, Logan often experiences cool summers and even colder winters. The more interesting weather comes as the valley transitions into spring.
Simon Wang is an associate professor in the department of plants, soils and climates who has been studying climate variability here at Utah State University for over eight years.
“The weather here in Logan is very moody,” he said. “Over the past few decades, we have gone from a wet spell to a dry spell for about the last 15 years. Now Logan has started to receive much more precipitation.”
The definition of spring ranges from literal definitions to cultural perceptions, Wang said. Spring could fall during March and April as temperatures rise and water run-off increases. The students and their mentality could also define spring as many pull out flip flops and boardshorts in response to the warmer weather.
In the past, Logan has received snow as late as mid-April. The department of plants, soils and climates has various weather stations across Utah, with multiple stations located in Cache Valley. Data collected from the last two years has indicated a great rise in precipitation in Logan.
In spring 2015, Logan received a little less than five inches of rain, with high temperatures of about 75 degrees. Though the temperature high did not increase in 2016, Logan experienced over 10 inches of rain by the same time as the year before. This year, March precipitation amounts are even higher with over 13 inches of rain and another five or so expected to come before the end of the month.
“I can like the rain sometimes, but I just want it to be done,” said Ashleigh White, an undeclared freshman. “It’s spring time and warm and beautiful. I want to play outside and soak up the rays. I just want it to stay warm.”
A freshman in pre-business, Tyler Bindrop, has been a devoted skier for the past few months. Bindrop had a season pass to Beaver and went almost every day. He said he thinks he averaged about at least 20 hours of skiing a week.
Even with his love for the slopes, Tyler said, “It’s been a good enough year. I’m happy enough. Spring skiing is fun too. I’m ready to let summer come. It’s been a good enough winter.”
Many other students were quick to agree with Bindrop in an online poll.
Students were asked to simply choose one of two opinions: “Is it spring time?” or “Is there more snow to come?” Of the students who responded to the poll, 55 percent said it was time for the sun to shine and spring to be here, 45 percent of student disagreed, thinking another snowstorm could come any day.
Due to Logan’s location, most of the expected rain could easily turn into snow if a cold front crosses over the area, Wang said. Snow can be a huge possibility whether it occurs for a few moments, or snows all day long and melts the next.
It might not be time to hang up winter coats just yet.
— eshaffer127@aggiemail.usu.edu
@shaffer0127