As March progresses, it is indeed lovely to leave my 5 p.m. lecture in daylight. The wind isn’t as sharp as last month, but it’s still too soon to call it Spring. March is like a teaser for a film that won’t be out for another year–a preview of Spring that lingers too long, stuck in a constant back and forth of cold and warmth.
The Met Office’s long-range forecast, which covers the period from 18 March to 1 April, suggests a mix of unsettled and settled weather, with snow storms expected to hit the UK in late March. WXCharts data shows flurries moving across the country, with Scotland set to bear the brunt, and Aberdeen is expected to be in the centre of the storm.
Parts of the Midlands could see snowfall at a rate of 3 cm per hour, with the northeast, Scottish Borders, North Wales, and northern Scotland also in for a wintry blast. Snow depth maps suggest central areas may see 4 cm (1.5 in) of accumulation, rising to 10 cm (4 in) in the Scottish Highlands. Edinburgh could be affected, though likely spared the worst, according to the Mirror.
While the chance of a massive snowstorm hitting Edinburgh is narrow, even a light snowfall should be enough for the university to grant students a day off. Overnight freezes make the ground dangerously slippery, increasing the risk of falls, and naturally, student safety should take priority over maintaining the course schedule.
An unexpected day off may be the perfect chance to catch up on work, but snow days aren’t meant to be spent studying all day. Here’s a short list of things we could do if we’re snowed in:
Cook a warm, hearty meal.
Forget about the meal-prepped leftovers or supermarket meal deals. Take the time to roast, grill, sauté, fry, or boil something comforting. Just be sure to stock up on groceries the day before. Check out our weekly recipes for inspiration.
Take a long, hot bath.
Ditch the rushed morning shower or the half-asleep rinse before bed. Instead, indulge in a relaxing bath or an “everything shower,” and appreciate a bit of the free time.
Deep clean your room.
Take this opportunity to vacuum your room, dust your shelves, and reorganise your desk drawers. After weeks of a busy schedule, the clutter really starts to accumulate—clothes pile up and pens and papers spill across your desk. Taking the time to clean not only restores order, but also resets your space for the days ahead.
Read The Student
Any recent article will catch you up on topics ranging from university politics to world events. Dive into the Short Rant column for the rawest voices of our students, or explore Word on the Vine and make a list of wines you want to try out at your next flat party.
A snow day might be unlikely, but if it happens, be ready to make the most of it by doing the least.
Photo by JOHN TOWNER on Unsplash