Cold snap expected to end
Meteorologists predict temperatures will reach the 40s

By JON FEINBERG
and CHRISTIE SCALZO
Collegian Staff Writers

Punxsutawney Phil was right -- maybe.

The famed groundhog who did not see his shadow on Feb. 2 predicted that spring was on the way. And meteorologists have forecast that the frigid weather of this weekend will be replaced by more balmy temperatures at the end of the week.

Michael Pontrelli, a student meteorologist in the University's meteorology department, said temperatures will be above normal by Thursday or Friday. Normally, temperatures range from 20 to 36 degrees, he said, but the mercury should rise into the 40s after tomorrow.

While some people may be looking forward to an early spring, Pontrelli warned that this may not be the end of "Old Man Winter."

"There's always that chance you'll get that arctic outbreak," he said.

Regardless of the threat of more frosty weather, many University students are anxiously awaiting a break in the cold.

Lisa Loch (senior-English) said she is ready for a change.

"I think (the weather) is harsh and unrelenting," Loch said. Although she believes that winter is far from over, Loch said she is hopeful that the oncoming warm temperatures will stay.

However, some University students prefer the current Siberian conditions.

"I love cold weather,"said Jim Saltzburg (senior-history). "Wintertime is my favorite time in the year."

Saltzburg said his love of chilly temperatures is based on the ability to change his environment.

"When it's hot, you're hot -- you've got no choice," he said. "No matter how cold it is, you can get warm."

But, whichever environment is preferable, Rina Niyogi (sophomore-sociology) said she believes that this winter's chill pales in comparison to the bitter cold temperatures of last year.

"Last year at this time," she said "we were buried under the snow."