Friday, March 20, 1998

A touch of spring

Amid warm weather, State College readies for new season

By KELLY BRADISH
Collegian Staff Writer

Today may be the first day of spring, but don't put away those scarves and mittens yet.

Despite what the calendar says, cold weather will be sticking around the area for the next five or six days, said Mike Evans, a National Weather Service meteorologist. The temperatures for the first few days of spring will average below normal, with the forecast calling for weekend snow flurries and temperatures near 40 degrees, Evans said.

"After a real warm most of winter, the end of winter turned cold," he said, adding that recent temperatures have been cooler than usual for the most part.

A yellow flower blooms behind McAllister Building yesterday. This winter was warmer than usual until the recent spate of cold weather, according to meteorologist Mike Evans. But although today is the first day of spring, the next week's temperatures will be low, Evans said. (Collegian Photo/Sonia L. Schwarz - click for full size image)

Even though the temperatures haven't resembled those typical of springtime, students can still find signs of spring, such as flowers, on College Avenue.

Members of Phi Lambda Sigma service sorority are selling daffodils at various locations around State College to benefit the American Cancer Society.

"We've been telling everyone how flowers can brighten up their day, since it's almost spring," said Dana Viveros (sophomore-Spanish), a member of the sorority.

Kristy Knechtel (sophomore-kinesiology), another sorority member selling flowers, said women have typically been buying for themselves, while men mostly buy the daffodils for women.

"(The flowers) make them think spring when it feels like winter," she said.

Other signs of spring can be seen in store windows, like those of Mr. Charles Shop Inc., 228 E. College Ave. Manager Veronica Burk said that next to fall, spring is one of the store's biggest seasons. Warm-weather items, like tank tops, have been selling well since before spring break, she said.

"Everybody's tired of gloominess," Burk said. "They want something springy."

Shelly Williams, manager of Dairy Queen, 358 E. College Ave., said she also sees a change in business with the seasons. The store stocks up on ice cream and other items when the forecast calls for warm weather, she said.

"If the sun's out, we're busy," she said.

However, not everyone is aware of or concerned about spring's arrival.

"The only thing that matters is if the weather's nice, not what date it is," said Phil Brislin (freshman-mechanical engineering).

Abby Woodroffe (sophomore-biobehavioral health) was also unaware of today's seasonal significance, but said she has been looking forward to relaxing outdoors because spring break was so cold.

"I just want to be able to lay out on Old Main or something and relax," she said.