Warmer Weather

With the last snow melting and daylight stretching past 7 p.m., something shifts in the air, and it’s not just the temperature. Hallways feel a little louder, mornings a little easier, and for many students, the dreary weight that winter brought seems to lighten with each warmer, sunnier day. The connection between warm weather and improved mood isn’t just a coincidence; it’s something students, teachers, and even science back up.

“I do prefer warmer weather. It’s just not as cold, and it makes everything feel nicer, more alive,” said freshman Evelyn Christie.

That kind of energy shows up in small ways, like actually looking forward to the walk into school or having more to do after the final bell.

“The warm weather definitely makes it easier to come to school because the walk from the parking lot to the front door won’t be so bad,” said junior Tiffany Bunce.

Colder months come with more than just heavy jackets. For some people, they bring a drop in mood and motivation that’s hard to ignore.

“I think the cold makes me more tired and kind of depressed in a way, like I’m just not in the mood for anything,” Christie explained.

Even though school is still in full swing, the longer, sunnier days can make things feel a little more possible and productive.

"Well, kind of,” said freshman Rylee Cox. “If I’m doing schoolwork or something like that, then I don’t really want to be spending time inside doing stuff, ’cause I want to be outside. But if it’s just about getting up and getting out, then yeah, I feel motivated.”

Spring also brings more activities, and for some students, that helps keep things exciting even as the school year winds down.

“I’m excited for prom,” said Bunce.

Others find that warm weather makes them more social and gets them outside more often, especially when it comes to making memories with friends.

“One of my favorite memories is hanging out with friends at the park during summer break,” said junior Aashika Kumari.

“I feel happier and more energetic when it gets warmer,” Kumari added.
Not everyone sees a huge difference in their mood, but summer still brings a certain vibe that stands out.

“I think of the summer because I don’t have school, I have a lot of free time to myself, and I get to talk to my friends,” said Cox.

Still, hot weather isn’t always a good thing. When temperatures get too high, it can affect sleep or make people feel drained instead of energized.

“The warmer the weather, the worse I sleep. My room tends to get pretty hot when it’s hot outside, which makes it harder to sleep,” said Bunce.

Even with the downsides, summer is when some of the best memories happen.

“Last summer, my best friend and I went to the lake and went paddleboarding. It was really nice and hot, but we got to dip our feet into the water and sit out and watch everyone else in the lake. It was really nice,” said Cox.

Most students say they wouldn’t want hot weather all year long. Having changing seasons gives people something to look forward to.

“I like changing the seasons because it switches things up. Summer can get overbearing and hot if it gets to a certain point,” said Christie.