Tag Archives: oswego weather

Oswego Weather 101

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Hello, Oswego!

For those of you who are new, I am Matthew Seymour, a junior meteorology student here at SUNY Oswego. I’ve always been fascinated with weather, and am an avid outdoorsman and photographer. More about me here!

Dare I say, but it’s almost the beginning of the fall 2017 semester. With new student move-in just 2 short weeks away, packing lists are being made and back-to-school shopping is in full swing.

Some of you may have heard of Oswego’s, ahem, weather. Now, while it is a myth that there were once chains put up around campus to help students push through the wind, it sure is a location featuring a lot of weather extremes. In the rest of this post, I’ll give a brief rundown of the “typical” conditions one will experience during an academic year at SUNY Oswego.

Sunset with sailboat, Sept. 3, 2016

In late August, when students return to campus and classes just start, weather conditions are usually tranquil and summer-like. Rain is relatively infrequent, but when it does rain, it’s usually in the form of a thunderstorm. September features ever-shortening daylight, slowly retreating temps, and a shift away from summer storms.

Fall colors near Hewitt Union, Nov. 5, 2016

October encompasses increasing wind and rain, pleasant temps, and the always-magnificent fall foliage show. Mid-November is the average period to watch for the first snowfall. (It has occurred on Nov. 20 and Nov. 23 the past two years.) Late November is when the real winter sets in, with mostly frozen precipitation, nearly-constant wind of some fashion, and cold temperatures.

Street outside Waterbury Hall during a snow squall, Dec. 15, 2016

December, January and early February take the lion’s share of lake-effect snow in Oswego. A normal winter sees about 140″ fall on the city. Wind remains frequent, and when combined with wintertime cold, wind chills are often below zero.

Spring buds on a tree branch, April 23, 2017

March, April and May feature the most frustrating weather. While temperatures do increase, late-season snow remains possible, and the “lake breeze” phenomenon works to hold down afternoon temps, particularly in April and May. Summer does win out, eventually, no matter what. Thanks, Sun!

For those who like numbers, here you go:

  • Aug/Early Sep: Highs 75-85. Lows 60-65. A few days with rain or storms.
  • Mid-Late Sep: Highs 65-75. Lows 50-55. A few days with rain or storms.
  • Oct: Highs 50-65. Lows 40-50. Some days with rain.
  • Nov: Highs 35-50. Lows 30-40. Frequent rain and some snow.
  • Dec: Highs 30-40. Lows 20-30. Frequent snow, some rain.
  • Jan: Highs 20-30. Lows 10-20. Frequent snow.
  • Feb: Highs 15-30. Lows 5-15. Some snow events.
  • Mar: Highs 30-55. Lows 20-35. Some snow and rain events.
  • Apr: Highs 50-65. Lows 35-45. Some rain, maybe an odd late season snow.
  • May: Highs 60-70. Lows 40-50. A few days with rain or storms.

So, there are many ways that one could prepare for such exciting weather. Hoodies and lighter jackets are perfect for that in-between fall and spring weather, however a rain jacket is a must (umbrellas will be destroyed by wind!), as well as a good set of winter coat, hat, gloves, scarf, and boots for when winter comes. Always bring warmer clothes and winter gear to college earlier than you think you’d need them, and always leave a couple summer outfits around for that odd warm fall or spring day.

See y’all in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, soak up those last rays of summer break!

It Only Gets Better

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Try as we might to mention and big up the gorgeous sunset, the Bluffs and wonderful lakeside views we Oswegonians have penchant for the cold blustery winds that threaten to lift you off your feet and the abominable snowy conditions that bury central campus in its entirety. This lovely weather starts unofficially after Thanksgiving break and ends what seems like a year later sometime around the end of April.

It’s during this time when we (we being Oswego students, college faculty and year long residents) become a collective. During these long unbearable and miserly winter months the fractured relationship between town and rowdy party students are momentarily forgotten as door are held for fellow winter warriors braving whiteout conditions.

Weather like subzero temperatures, overnight snow accumulations that exceed the median age of dorm room inhabitants, are what we enjoy complaining about (don’t believe check your Facebook and Twitter feeds). It’s all good. No better way to show our true modesty as winter warriors than to masquerade it in some good ol fashion kvetching.

To the uninitiated, the freshmen you haven’t yet earned the right to take part in the harsh weather complaints. We (these Oswegonians; separate from 1st semester freshmen) chuckled as you told us you brought Ugg boots from home for the winter time. But despite the many times you did not heed our warnings we still wish you warmth and insight in the coming months. You’ll need it.

For the rest of us… We’ve been here once before, seen our fair share of winter astonishments. It seems like every class has that one winter that goes down in history as one of the worse. Which brings me to a question I’ve been dying to talk about. Which year has bragging rights to the worst winter in SUNY Oswego to date? And what did you do for fun (and survival)? I’d love to know. It’d be great to hear some awesome alumni stories about their biggest snow storms braved and maybe the freshmen can learn a thing or two on how to have fun in it all.

Speaking of fun. How could I ever forget the time I decided to make some snow myself.

Good Weather, Good Times

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The weather today is amazing! reasonable. So much so that I opted for the 10 minute walk to campus over my normal shuttle ride. Albeit while wearing my coat and a hoody but still. Who knows how long this “good weather” is going to last  next week it may snow again sending me into an emotional spiral(knocks on woods). However for today I’m celebrating this sunshine and semi-warmth. Warm weather makes everything better, afternoon naps,walking from one class to the next, trips to group meeting in the library. They all seem shrug worthy when the sun is out and shining. If you can’t tell Kwame is in a good mood B) Hmm , might even make a trip over to Freshens for a Smoothie!

-Catch Me in the Sun