This winter we have experienced temperatures that are usually common in March or April. Trying to ignore the unusual mild weather is nearly impossible.

In November, the high temperature was a surprising 54oF in December, the high decreased to a pleasant 41oF. During the month of January, the high decreased again to a mild temperature of 39oF and for February, the high returned to an enjoyable 44oF.

These very mild temperatures are not common in Kansas, which is known for its harsh winters. One of the negative effects of a mild winter for students is that there have been no snow days.

“Not having any snow days this year is not cool, and I never got to go sledding,” freshman Kelista McGraw said.

Not only has this warm winter deprived students of treasured snow days, but it has also affected businesses that rely on the winter weather.

Businesses from hardware stores selling salt and shovels and retail stores selling winter clothes have found that sales have gone down due to the mild weather. Due to the situation, the economy is receiving another blow on top of these already challenging economic times.

Besides its negative effects, people are still enjoying the beautiful weather.

The weather has not only allowed people to enjoy more time outside, but it has also reduced the demand of natural gas to heat homes. The decreased demand for natural gas has caused some natural gas provider to shut down production and layoff jobs.

While people don’t mind not having to shovel the driveway or put 10 layers on before walking out side, the negative effects that have been caused by this mild winter have done more damage than thought.

This mild winter has been enjoyable, but lets hope that next year’s Kansas winter weather goes back to its typical ruthlessness.