Having just experienced the warmest January in American history, Buffalo's recent cold snap is serving as a strong reminder that the worst might be yet to come in this city, which is usually famous for its horrendous winters.
"The East is on tap for a crazy ride with temperatures and weather initially leading into the winter season seeming mild," said Sandi Duncan, managing editor of The Farmers Almanac, "but the bulk of the winter will turn out to be unusually cold with plenty of snow, especially in the northern sections."
As freezing winds and snow have hit the UB campuses this week, it often seems Duncan's prediction has already come true. In the scientific community, many are blaming global warming for the unique and erratic climate changes, along with general warming across the United States.
"It makes sense that global warming is to blame for the uncommonly mild January we experienced. However, it is hard to say whether or not that is the only cause," said Jason Briner, a geology professor and director of UB's Paleoclimate Lab. "These sporadic weather patterns may become increasingly more and more common."
Most students weren't complaining about the warmer-than-usual January weather.
"As a commuter, the nice weather made driving to campus much easier, and walking around campus wasn't a battle against the elements like it's been this past week," said Lindsay Laracuente, a senior early childhood major.
"Staying warm while going out wasn't such a hassle," said Colleen Cluckey, a senior speech pathology major. "It was nice going out to the bars and not having to worry about bringing your heavy coat."
For those who depend on the snow to participate in their favorite winter sports, January was a little disappointing.
John Pastore, a freshman business major and member of UB's Schussmeister's Ski Club said the mild January weather kept him from skiing.
On the other hand, Bonnie Cady, marketing manager of the Holimont Ski Resort in Ellicottville, N.Y., said modern technology in fake snow guaranteed her resort and others wouldn't be hit hard by the record warmth.
"The mild weather didn't prove to be that much of a challenge for their conditions, with the exception of a few rainy days," she said. "The snow base really held nicely and with the help of modern snowmaking and grooming machines we were able to pull through the warmer weather."
With the onset of wintry weather settling into Buffalo, many students, professors and campus employees eagerly watch the morning news in hopes of a snow day.
"In the time I've been with the university I can only remember maybe two times when the governor has officially closed the university," said Pam Lojacono, a staff associate who has been with UB for almost 20 years.
Students can keep their shorts and sandals packed away for a few more weeks until spring break, but don't pack away those hats and gloves yet. This wintry weather may hang around for a while.
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
