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January 12, 2009
Ann Arbor Weather
I've been getting email questions about what the weather is like in Michigan so I decided to give those who are not familiar with weather in the mid-west a little glimpse. I'm writing this blog in early January on a Monday. When I went to my car this morning around 11AM, to head to class, the temp was 18 degrees, the streets were freshly plowed after weekend snow that topped around 9 inches. Right now the temp is 22 degrees but feels like 13. So with this description I'm basically telling you that its cold and it snows regularly ;)
The forecast for the remainder of the week (according to weather.com) is
Tues: high 23 low -2
Wed: high 15 low 5
Thur: high 8 low 0
Fri: high 7 low 0
Sat: high 18 low 17
Yep cold. You get to a point where freezing feels warm and you pull out a lighter coat and maybe walk around without the winter hat on LOL. Seriously.
Anyway, the weather gets colder as winter progresses...so maybe the coldest period is in Feb I think. It begins to warm around end of March and April but it has been known to still snow in late April (that's what many have told me) and sure enough around April 24th last year we had a decent snow fall...right before school let out.
So how to deal. Well I suggest a long coat, around knee length, hat scarf gloves of course and if you really want to stay warm, long johns and winter boots. Personally, I hate being cold and I have ALL of thee above. I bought boots by the brand Sorel and they saved my life...waiting for the bus is far less torturous as my feet don't freeze and they actually look nice. I've gotten multiple compliments :) AND additional bonus, they are not Uggs! Nuff said.
I know this sounds unbearable but really it isn't. I'm from Portland OR...land of eternally mild weather but I've definitely gotten used to it. Plus, Ann Arbor does a decent job dealing with the snow by plowing the streets. Both apartment complexes I lived in were great at plowing the parking lot and walkways as well. The University ALWAYS clears the sidewalks and streets going through the U and buses still run regularly and the city stays functional.
Snow also presents an opportunity for fun outdoor activities like sledding! and there are relatively close places to go skiing as well.
The summer tends to be nice and sunny and often humid. I haven't been around for most of the summer and spring months but August is always full of sun and that transfers into September.
And if I can say one last thing, I would tell you that weather shouldn't be a big influencer on your school choice. Get the best program to support your professional interests. Your two years here will go by SOOOO fast. If you've never experienced snowy winters before this is your time to try it! It's a temporary situation with no obligation to stay after you graduate. It can actually be a good thing as you determine where you want to live after graduation...you'll be able to recognize those locations you want to avoid based on weather.
Hope this helps!
Posted by krosalia at 01:51 PM | Comments (0)