AccuWeather
‘Nobody has anything to say about a 40 degree day’
With the end of a harsh winter, most are ready for warmer weather and to feel the sun’s rays on their skin once again. As winter comes to spring, the days get longer and the temperature starts to rise, but it has not yet risen enough for some people. On a partly cloudy winter day in New York City, where the maximum daytime temperature reached 45 degrees Fahrenheit, the average for early March, AccuWeather Reporter Dexter Henry took to the streets of the Big Apple to ask people what they think of the days 40 degrees. “Nobody has anything to say about a 40-degree day,” a famous quote from the iconic HBO series The Wire, partly sent Henry on this quest. It turns out that people had a lot to say about the 40 degree days, but reactions were widespread. “I like them more than 32 degrees a day,” joked Glenn Bentley of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. “It looks like you can wrap up; you can wear a scarf, a woolen cap or even a baseball cap.” AccuWeather National Reporter Dexter Henry took to the streets of New York, New York, to ask residents and visitors what they think of the 40 degree days. (AccuWeather / Dexter Henry) However, many others offered a different point of view. “Fifty degree day, whatever; 60 degree day, you’re feeling great. Twenty degree day, you’re getting mad, but no one gives a damn about 40, because 40 is just uggggh!” Jarod Hector, from New York City, told Henry. “So when you think of 40 degrees, you think of The Wire … 40 degrees is nothing; it’s just a normal shit day.” For those who wish to spend time outdoors, the daytime highs in the 1940s are still too cold to leave the house for a long period of time, according to some to whom Henry spoke. “I feel that if it’s warmer, you can enjoy it a little better, maybe stay out a little bit more,” said PK, an Atlanta resident, who doesn’t like 40 degree days. “You know it’s cold; people get out really fast and run back inside to do what they can.” Others were more optimistic and told Henry that the temperature change is a positive sign that the weather is finally starting to change. CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APPLICATION “I think it’s beautiful. I mean, it’s hot for me. It’s beautiful,” said Sarah McLemore, a New York resident. Some residents have even said to Henry that, after going through a severe winter, they will take every day as 40 degrees as they can. Although temperatures were slightly above average this winter at the Big Apple, snowfall was about 50% above average in New York City. “At this time of winter, New York City catches an average of 25.5 inches of snow. However, between October 2020 and early March 2021, 38.6 inches of snow fell. That’s about one and a half times the normal amount at this point in, “said AccuWeather meteorologist Derek Witt, adding that it contrasts directly with the winter conditions that occurred just a year ago. During the same period last year, only 4.8 inches of snow fell on the Big Apple. In addition, conditions were cold enough in February to distort average temperatures for the entire winter weather, which runs from December 1 to February 28, a drop of one or two degrees, according to AccuWeather forecasters. Sarah McLemore outside enjoying a 40 degree day in New York City. (AccuWeather / Dexter Henry) And, if you consider an even longer period of time – from October 2020 to early March 2021, temperatures averaged 1.8 degrees above normal in New York City. This compares to a 2.8 degree outflow at the same time last year, according to Witt. Although temperatures were still slightly above average this winter, Witt said the storm’s trail was more likely for some major snow events to impact the city, especially during the month of February, when several smaller accumulation events also occurred. “Finally, to really put into perspective the impact that February had on this year’s winter statistics, 26 of the season’s 38.6 centimeters of snow fell during the month,” said Witt. At least 5 cm of snow covered the ground in the first 24 days of the month as well. With all this in mind, New York resident Vincente Arthur exclaimed, “It feels like almost a summer day in winter!” while basking in the sun on March 1, which is considered the first day of the spring weather. However, according to Henry’s research, some will not be satisfied until the temperature rises significantly. “I need something better. I need more! There is nothing about it that is interesting or exciting. It’s 40 degrees!” Hector said. Some residents told Henry that when it comes to dealing with the 40 F climate, “it’s all in the game”. No matter how people feel about the end of winter conditions, there seems to be a resounding excitement that the beginning of the astronomical spring is only a few weeks away, on March 20. What do you think of the 40 degree climate? Let us know your opinion in the poll below: Another factor altogether is the fact that Americans’ perceptions of a temperature can all be relative to the time of year. For one thing, 40 degrees may seem comfortable to some after a harsh winter, but those same people may not feel the same on a 40 degree day, say, during the fall – especially after riding in a hot summer climate . After all, how people perceive the climate depends on acclimatization. A group of researchers behind a survey last fall said they identified what Americans think the “perfect” drop temperature – and spoiler alert: is not 40 F. According to the 2020 survey, the perfect drop temperature is 63 degrees Fahrenheit. Last fall, AccuWeather asked followers on Twitter what drop temperature they considered perfect. Drum roll, please: the winner had a pleasant temperature of 63 degrees – and won with a crushing drop too, attracting almost twice the percentage of votes cast to 53 degrees. 🍂 🍁 The researchers say they have found the perfect drop temperature – and the number has taken some of us here by surprise. What is your #perfectfalltemperatura? https://t.co/z2aUfQffjy— AccuWeather (@accuweather) October 23, 2020 Dexter Henry report. Continue to access AccuWeather.com and stay connected to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios.