The Story
What's Up with Williamsburg Weather?
In the past week I’ve worn the complete climatic range of my wardrobe, from carefree capris to my warmest corduroy coat. Williamsburg weather is strange, but you already knew that. From the raging winds of the latest hurricane to the balmy 80 degree days, weather at the College is unpredictable.
Sophomore Eliza Ilardi asserts that the weather’s unpredictability is evidenced in the course of day to night, “Well, I feel like I'm in a desert. It'll be warm during the day and then ice cold at night.”
College, especially this campus, affords students the great luxury (or nuisance) of walking to and from their destinations. If you recall, in most high schools minimal time was spent braving the elements – classes were all held in the confines of one shelter. Here, the weather directly affects our clothing choices and to an extent, our moods.
Checking the weather before class is an essential beginning to any day. Forgetting your umbrella is a fate worse than death. Of course, as soon as you enter your building after being drenched in a downpour, the clouds will part and the sun will rear its ugly head. That’s the way it is. Maybe, its just bad karma.
The Spring 2003 semester was marked by weeks and weeks of rain. Even Blowout 2003 did not escape Mother Nature’s last laugh. Everywhere puddles formed and quickly became virtual oceans - especially among the charming brick paths of Old Campus. Leaving without your umbrella was unthinkable and everyone’s jeans were a little moist at the bottoms. As dull, gray days of wet weather took its toll on people, gloominess was rampant.
Fast forward to Fall 2003. A summer of rain quickly erased memories of past summer’s drought conditions. The Sunken Gardens were green. The trees were healthy. But that was only for a brief moment. Hurricane Isabel struck.
The weather diverted the normal course of the semester, forever shaking confidence in our class syllabi and free December weekends.
Maybe bad weather makes students here appreciate the beautiful days. If the sun is out, so are the Frisbee throwers, runners and outside readers. Professors also take advantage of the warm days by holding classes in the Sunken Garden, Crim Dell Amphitheater or grassy knoll between Jones and Morton. Undoubtedly, the weather must get to them too.
So, the next time you wonder how the erratic weather patterns will be affecting your day, your week or even your semester, consult a squirrel. I say, if a squirrel lands on the sundial and sees its shadow, we could be in for another inundation and weeks of bottomless puddles.
Can't find a squirrel because they've already burrowed into their nests? For the next few weeks, weather.com proposes highs in the mid-sixties and lows in the thirties with some wind and rain mixed in...as if Williamsburg doesn't get enough wind and rain. So bring out your scarves and mittens and keep your umbrella at your side.
As for winter, the Farmer's Almanac predicts yet another "harsh winter." If you recall, last winter dropped several inches of snow on the campus cancelling classes and warranting snowball fights. Who knows what we should expect next semester? Maybe we should ask the squirrels.