MAUMEE, Ohio — Northwest Ohio has gone through the second driest fall in 50 years and the first snowfall has usually happened by now, according to the WTOL 11 Weather Team.
But the last few winters have been anything but usual.
"I didn't know it was going to be this cold when I was walking. I would've grabbed a coat," said Olivia Gabarcyzk, while at the Maumee's Shops at Fallen Timbers on Wednesday.
Northwest Ohio is about to get its first dose of winter weather for 2024, and that polar plunge is somewhat polarizing, to say the least. The WTOL 11 weather team has issued an ALERT DAY for Thursday as a significant change in the weather pattern ushers in a cold breeze, dropping temperatures and our first snowflakes of the season.
"Off and on, I don't really like it. I like the cold when it's snowy and stuff, but this, I feel like last week it was a little bit warm. I didn't have to wear a coat," Gabarcyzk said.
However, she says there's a different feel in the air.
"I feel excited. I like when the leaves fall and the snow falls. I like the weather changes just because I like experiencing the four seasons," Gabarcyzk said.
If she had her way, there would be "a lot of snow."
"I hope for a lot of snow, but I hate when the roads get icy," she said.
Brandie Dye, who was also at the Shops at Fallen Timbers on Wednesday, shares a similar hope, but not for herself.
"White Christmas and a lot of snow to take the kids sledding because that's my favorite part of winter and that hasn't happened," Dye said.
For her, the cold weather makes her think of the holidays and spending time with loved ones.
"Family, togetherness makes you happy," she said. "Honestly, if it's going to be this cold, I feel there should be white, fluffy snow anyways so you can enjoy the winter and do all the things for Christmas."
Dye even has a prediction of her own for this winter season.
"I love it, but honestly, I feel like we're going to get hit with extremely cold weather because last winter we had a really mild winter, so with it getting as cold as it is now and we're supposed to get snow tomorrow? I believe we're going to get hit really hard," she said.