Though warm temperatures over the first few days of the new term brought frisbees, sandals and idlers back onto the Green, students were soon dismayed to wake up to an all-too-familiar Hanover tradition -- the springtime snowstorm.
Temperatures dropped ten degrees below the seasonal average last week, and disappointed Dartmouth students were quick to once again pile on several layers of jackets and clothing to cope with the cold conditions.
Average temperatures in the Upper Valley for the first week of April are between 50 to 52 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures usually rise into the mid-50s by the second week of April. This year, temperatures have dropped below average to mostly in the 30s with highs sometimes reaching 40 degrees.
"The weather is absolutely dreadful. I hate it," said Alexis Sheehan '04.
The record snowfall in one day in Hanover in the month of April is 17 inches. Snowfall was considerably above average in Hanover and most of New England this winter.
An April snowstorm is not an uncommon occurrence. Still, most students are tired of winter and ready for spring. Katelyn Martin '06 said, "I feel the inevitability of spring."
The Dartmouth Skiway closed on March 30 because additional winter weather was not anticipated.
"Skiers and riders, at least the majority, start to lose interest in winter sports come spring. We typically run out of customers before snow," Skiway Director Doug Holler said. The new snow will not extend the season at the Skiway.
Although spring is late to Hanover, it may return next week. Temperatures are expected to hit highs in the mid-50s by Thursday, according to Weather Channel forecasts -- but there is still a chance for more snow this weekend.
If it does not snow this weekend, Hanover will most likely experience rain. Temperatures are expected to rise again early next week. Highs should stay steadily in the low to mid-50s.
