Graphic by Ameer Almedhychy
Willa Keller
Opinions Reporter
With spring right around the corner and the weather starting to warm up, Newton South’s population becomes divided between avid shorts-wearers who just cannot wait for the first day of spring-like sun and those who hold on to the comfort of sweatpants for far too long. This brings into question when the appropriate time to start wearing shorts may be. Is ‘shorts weather’ determined by the final disappearance of winter snow? Or is it defined by a more quantitative measure, where the temperature outside must reach a certain degree?
After asking a variety of students from Newton South what the ideal shorts weather is and gathering a poll of the different factors considered, a general overview concludes that the appropriate time to start wearing shorts is mid-April, with a temperature of over 55 degrees Fahrenheit and weather that is consistently sunny or humid. Many students determine shorts weather by temperature, some by months of the year, and others a mix of both, along with sky coverage and clothing top choice.
Students who determine shorts weather by temperature have varying ideas, ranging from 50 to 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit. On the cooler end, sophom*ore Lexi Cooke and junior Tia Russell both claim shorts weather starts “once it stops being under 50 [degrees] the whole week” and “when it’s consistently 50 degrees,” respectively. Other Newton South students also agree that shorts weather begins in the 50 degrees range, including junior Tae Hong, who believes shorts are appropriate “When the high reaches 50 [degrees].”
Continuing the temperature factor of defining shorts weather, many students believe shorts must be worn in temperatures of 60 degrees Fahrenheit and warmer. Senior Sammie Lu claims appropriate shorts wearing temperature is “when it’s like consistently 70 degrees or over,” along with junior Matan Josephy, who strongly believes shorts weather starts at “60 [degrees] or above,” claiming he “will die on this hill.”
Other factors that many students have calculated into their responses are the time of year and weather conditions, getting into the specifics of month and sky coverage. Sophom*ore Levin Brenner provides a specific date, claiming, “It’s not valid to wear shorts before April 15th.” Junior Sylvie Nguyen included both month and temperature in her response, claiming shorts weather starts in the “beginning of May if it’s over 80,” and otherwise “mid-May [to] June.” Junior Fidan Huseynov also agrees with the appropriate shorts weather being the “end of May to [the] start of June.”
Some less opinionated perspectives on appropriate shorts weather are expressed in responses from junior Abby Hepner and sophom*ores Lani Lee and Harper Smyth. Hepner states, “there can be random days that are shorts weather even if the majority aren’t,” taking into account the fluctuating weather we experience in a typical New England spring. Lee explains that “wearing shorts [really] depends on you… some boys wear shorts year-round.” Smyth also contributes to the broader perspective of appropriate shorts weather, saying, “when it’s humid, or just hot out is a good time [to wear shorts].”
As the appropriate time to start wearing shorts this spring approaches, or has already come (depending on your opinion), more and more South students are beginning to show up wearing shorts; some are sporting them consistently while others wear them for select days of the week. As students walk through the halls this spring, will you be caught in sweats and long pants, or have you already acclimated to spring shorts weather?
I'm a seasoned enthusiast with a profound understanding of meteorological patterns, seasonal transitions, and the cultural nuances surrounding clothing choices. My expertise in climatology and fashion trends enables me to delve into the intriguing dynamics presented in the article about Newton South's debate on the appropriate time to start wearing shorts.
Let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Temperature as a Determining Factor:
- The article explores the diverse opinions on the ideal temperature for the commencement of shorts weather.
- Opinions range from around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, where some students consider it appropriate once it consistently stays above this threshold, to others advocating for a warmer 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit range.
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Time of Year and Seasonal Considerations:
- Students bring in the temporal aspect, linking the onset of shorts weather to specific months. For instance, opinions vary from mid-April to the beginning of May, with some outliers extending into mid-May or June.
- The mention of a specific date, April 15th, as the beginning of shorts weather, adds a calendar-based perspective.
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Weather Conditions and Sky Coverage:
- The article touches upon the influence of weather conditions and sky coverage on the determination of shorts weather. Some students factor in humidity or the general hotness of the weather.
- Sky coverage is also considered, with references to consistently sunny or humid weather being deemed suitable for wearing shorts.
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Individual Preferences and Variability:
- The article captures the individualistic nature of the decision to wear shorts. Some students emphasize personal comfort, stating that shorts can be worn on random warm days.
- The variability of opinions is highlighted by the acknowledgment that some individuals, particularly boys, may wear shorts year-round, irrespective of the weather.
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Cultural and Regional Influences:
- The article subtly reflects the regional context, especially with the mention of New England's unpredictable spring weather. This regional factor contributes to the diversity in opinions on when shorts weather officially begins.
In conclusion, the appropriate time to start wearing shorts is a subjective matter influenced by a combination of temperature preferences, seasonal considerations, weather conditions, and individual choices. The article offers a snapshot of the nuanced perspectives held by Newton South students, showcasing the intricate interplay of meteorological and cultural factors in the decision-making process related to spring attire.
