Between bouts of cone theft, bottle smashing and mould wiping, a lot of us are still riding the wave of winter blues that continued through last year’s flop of a summer. But what if Critic Te Ārohi were to tell you that in collaboration with El Niño and climate change, Big Climate is bringing you summer early this year?
The strongest El Niño phase in the past 80 years is nearly upon us. The National Institute of Water and Atmosphere (NIWA) have predicted large periods of hot, dry weather as early as September. After last year’s drizzly summer (courtesy of La Niña) this warm period will provide the backdrop for increased student debauchery.
Lurking in the Robertson Library, Critic Te Ārohi came across some students who were more than happy to divulge their predictions for the upcoming months. Third-year James is predicting that a warmer spring period will lead to exam studiers abandoning the library in favour of a seat on a sunny sofa, accompanied by a crate of Summit Ultras. It would be rude not to, after all. And with more booze comes cone tomfoolery, increasing our chances of finally discovering Conehenge.
James’ friend Will – a Geography major – was a bit more conflicted in his feelings. Although he shared James’ positive sentiments about the benefits of warmer weather, he was clearly more concerned with the broader implications. “It’ll be sweet to go home with an even tan for the summer,” he said, “but having seen what happened to Europe in recent months, I’d be happy enough to stick with drizzle.”
So while the warm period will provide the perfect scenery to celebrate another year of procrastination and alcoholism almost done and dusted, it is clear that students are concerned about the impacts that this juiced up El Niño will have from September onwards.
In the meantime, Critic Te Ārohi will be emerging from our dark, seasonally depressed office and cracking open a cold one with the boys.