Springtime, lasting from mid-March to mid-June, is commonly associated with flowers, butterflies, warm and sunny temperatures, and wet, rainy weather. While these different weather types are usually shown over a long period, Southern California’s weather has been going through its own mood swings with sunny blue skies one day and rain the next, which has been affecting the moods of students even just at the beginning of the season.
The weather has been so inconsistent lately that it has started to affect students. Not only is it unpleasant to go from having nice and sunny weather one day and having it be rainy the next, but this inconsistent weather can cause different health issues that affect students.
“I feel like it’s been cold recently. It fluctuates, it’s never consistent. I got a nosebleed because of how inconsistent the weather’s been. I don’t like it because it’s not [something] that I know is coming,” Leah Ines (11) said.
The cold and windy weather also affects students negatively when it comes to their mental health when they have to stand out in the cold for long periods of time during the day. On the other hand, when it stays consistently sunny, the moods of students tends to be exponentially better, which could benefit them by performing well in school.
“I think when it is warm and sunny my mood is positive to match with the brightness. However once it gets windy, it changes my mood negatively, especially when it’s already cold outside because I don’t like the feeling of the wind going through my clothes,” Elizabeth Dang (12) said.
The warmer weather also allows people to go outside and potentially spend time with friends, encouraging them to be more active. The sunlight also provides natural serotonin and Vitamin D which can help improve happiness, mental health, and physical health.
“I definitely prefer warmer weather because it lets me spend more time outside, whether it’s hanging out with friends, or going to the beach,” Jane Tan (11) said. “It just feels better to be active in the sun rather than stuck inside because it’s too cold or rainy.”
The inconsistency with the weather has affected students negatively when it comes to their moods and even their physical health. While it may be a long journey awaiting the day when the weather is consistently warm, it will be worth it.
“The weather this spring has been really unpredictable, and I don’t really appreciate how it keeps changing,” Tan said. “One week it feels warm and pleasant, and the next week, it cools down again. I’m really hoping it starts warming up consistently soon.”
