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Community Corner

Blistering Heat or Blizzard?

Locals debate the pros and cons of a heatwave verses a blizzard. Which side are you on?

With temperatures hovering around 100, many may be daydreaming about a nice snow storm and sledding, while others say they will take ice cream over icicles any day.

So, which would you prefer: a blizzard or blistering heat?  There are pros and cons to both.  

The Sweat Factor

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Some couples fight over the thermostat, and usually it’s the husband who is hot, and the wife who is cold, but not the Dukes of West Springfield.  Both Jodi and Aaron prefer to shiver, rather than sweat.

“I am OK if I am shoveling snow, but when I sweat without doing anything, like walking out of my front door, then I get really irritated,” says Jodi.

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Alexandria resident Sarah Haley absolutely hates the winter. 

“I would rather sweat versus shoveling snow any day.  I never, never want to shovel snow again,” Haley says adamantly.

Bugging Out

Although Haley detests snow and all that comes with it, there is one thing about winter she does like – no bugs. 

If you are cuddled next to a fire, you probably won’t be swarmed by mosquitoes or find a tick crawling up your leg.  These bugs thrive in wet, humid, and hot conditions and carry nasty viruses and diseases.

Mosquitoes and bees are the most annoying insects for Springfield resident Heather Jacobs. 

“If you are by water the mosquitoes will chew you up, or if you are outside with the kids, it seems the bees are always buzzing by,” says Jacobs. 

Sink or swim?

Would you rather sink into a soft bed of snow or swim until your hearts content? 

“If it’s 100 degrees outside, I can go swimming, stand in the shade, wear sundresses, drink lemonade, or have a fan or air conditioner blowing on me,” says Haley.

Jodi Duke says a pool membership is also on her summer must-have list, but says when it reaches 100 degrees, “even the pool is hot.”

Jacobs would also rather make a splash at the pool or water park, and adds, “it gives you a great excuse to go and get a delicious ice cream treat.”

Seasonal “Out”fits

During the winter months, you have to pile on the layers to stay warm: hat, scarf, boots, coat, sweater, and pants.  During the summer, it’s a grab and go kind of decision, with most reaching for a sundress or short. 

But Aaron Duke makes a good point about layering.  “Blizzards are better because you can always add layers, but in the summer, there are only so many layers you can take off.” 

Swimsuits and sunscreen are often the final layers of protection from the sun.  Most people are more exposed to the sun during the summer, which can cause painful sunburns or heat exhaustion.  On the other hand, during the summer you don’t risk losing or permanently damaging a limb to frostbite.

“In freezing temperatures, it’s hard to hide from the cold weather.  Dressing warmly will not necessarily help you,” says Haley.

I think one thing is almost certain, many will complain when it’s hot and complain when it’s cold.  The key is to find the right degree of comfort and then be cool about it. 

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