Winter finally stuck at NUHS after dropping two inches of snow on Wednesday, Feb. 14. It was the first snowfall of 2024. With the weather, many were hoping for the first snow day of the school year.

Senior Emmie Stangel wanted a snow day due to adverse conditions on the road. Journalism teacher Mr. Engeldinger stated that he had hoped for more snow. “I did check my email to see if our superintendent pushed out a little two-hour delay. That would’ve been pretty nice,” said Mr. Engeldinger.

The “El Nino” effect has dramatically shaped the 2023-2024 winter season. With warm winds from the Pacific affecting the usual Arctic wind currents, only 7.3 inches of snow has fallen from Jan. 1 to Feb. 14. “In the past, [March] that’s been the snowiest month. I think that has changed. … I can’t remember [a time] that there was this little snow,” said Mr. Engeldinger, who has been teaching at NUHS for 31 years.

Not everyone is worried about the lack of snow this winter. Most people continued their favorite outdoor activities. “Me personally, I got to play pickleball outside so it’s pretty good,” Senior Joey Kotten said. With the El Nino effect still here and spring inching closer, the snow isn’t expected to last. One week after the snowfall, New Ulm is back to looking as it was before.

Gallery • 9 Photos

Lucas Skoglund

NUHS entrance before the snowfall, February 14.