Cold Weather Hits Claremont

Although Claremont is in a state that usually never gets too cold, the city has had an average low of 46°F and a high of 60°F this year. There are a variety of things that cold weather can affect in any city, especially Claremont. For example, it can change electricity bills, plant life, health, parks, wild animals, and many other aspects of life.

“I think one way Claremont is being affected by the recent cold weather is the rain, which can be alter the trees causing them to grow and allowing more to grow. Also the heavy winds, can knock down trees, in which both of those reasons are affecting the number of trees we have here in Claremont, being the city of trees,” sophomore Laura Castellanos said.

Electricity bills can also be strongly affected by the long-lasting cold weather. It is said that using one’s heater can account for almost half of a home’s energy usage, according to engerstar.gov. Many may not know this, but setting the heater any higher than 68° can add 3% or more to many people’s heating costs. People should take advantage of other sources of heat, such as wearing layers or using blankets. Many people often see the end result of cold snaps and storm conditions. The obvious effects include breakage of plants, trees, and shrub limbs, but also related to the recent storms is the drying effect of high winds on flowers and other plants. Rainfall also affects the balance of grasses, not to mention it can ruin peoples’ backyards and landscapes. Emerging fresh flowers and leaves are most prone to frost damage. The best prevention against frost damage to flowers is to keep the flower’s buds from opening too soon.

“I was so upset to see that my beautiful garden was ruined one night after a bad storm. I worked so hard on it and spent so much money. Almost three fourths of my plants were gone. I’m planning on restarting my garden as soon as the cold weather dies down,” Claremont resident Mary Bourke said.

Lastly, cold weather can affect people, wildlife, parks, and much more. Recently, the Claremont Wilderness Park, also known as the 5 mile loop, was shut down due to freezing conditions. People’s health can also easily be affected by the cold weather, especially if people are not properly dressing for the cold. It can cause common colds, the flu, pneumonia, hypothermia, and even more viruses.

Many people dislike the cold weather due to the fact that it is hard to do activities outside and people feel the need to bundle up a lot more often, however, some people enjoy the cold weather because it gives them a chance to drink tea, or stay inside. Claremont residents should wait until the cold weather passes and wait until spring.