48 days to go

By Alex P. Vidal

“Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.” – Anthony J. D’Angelo

IN 48 days starting February 1^st, winter in New York will officially end with the vernal equinox.

Many of us who felt uncomfortable before, during, and after the January 25 monster snowstorm are looking forward to emerging from winter with outdoor dining, bustling parks, and numerous cultural festivals.

We are encouraging friends who love—and have the capacity—to travel to visit New York in this exciting season.

When the cold season says goodbye and springtime says hello on March 20, 2026, the weather is expected to remain cold; wintry conditions frequently persist through March and sometimes early April.

A wintry mix is a combination of different frozen precipitation, including snow, sleet (ice pellets), and freezing rain, occurring at the same time or in quick succession, caused by varying temperature layers in the atmosphere.

While the heaviest snow risk typically passes by early March, residual cold and occasional late-season snow events can occur until early April.

Our consolation is Springtime in New York brings a vibrant transformation, with temperatures rising from the 40s to 60s°F, bringing blooming flowers like daffodils, tulips, and cherry blossoms.

-o0o-

It is actually a lively, busy season for outdoor dining, parks, and events like the Macy’s Flower Show. We have been advised to be prepared for unpredictable weather, including cool nights, occasional rain, and lingering, blustery winds.

Eyewitness News has reported that extreme cold remains locked in across New York City and the Tri-State area this weekend, with temperatures struggling to reach the low 20s and wind chills dipping below zero.

February 1 marked nine straight days below freezing, with temperatures running well below average and dangerous wind chills developing.

Eyewitness News added that strong north winds on February 1 gust up to 30-40 mph, pushing “feels like” temperatures below zero in many areas.

A storm system passing well south – currently dumping upward of a foot of snow across parts of the Carolinas – will miss us, though it will contribute to the increasing winds. A flurry can’t be ruled out near Montauk, but most locations stay dry.

A brief warm-up is possible early next week, but more cold air is waiting in the wings.

-o0o-

We never missed the Procession of the Candelaria of Jaro, a grand annual religious event held in Iloilo City, Philippines on February 2^nd celebrating the feast of the Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria (Our Lady of Candles) when we were high school students in the early 80s.

We felt our presence and attendance in complete uniform was a fulfillment of our deep spiritual needs, it provided us a sense of purpose and offered us a personal connection to Jesus Christ through the Eucharist and tradition.

The Procession we regularly participated featured an eight-foot processional statue—a replica of the canonically crowned image—carried on a flower-adorned carosa through the streets of Jaro.

We were members of the Society of Saint Vincent Ferrer (SSVP) and Children of Mary (COM).

Jaro Cathedral braces for influx of “Candelaria” fiesta devotees.

-o0o-

LOOK AFTER OUR BUTT. It is estimated that a third of all smoked cigarettes end up as litter. Let us make sure that our cigarette has been put out properly and we dispose of the butt in a waste can or designated area.

DUST UP A STORM. Instead of throwing away old T-shirts and letting the material go to waste, let’s tear them up and use instead of store-bought dusters. We will have a never- ending supply of rags for cleaning and wiping up, and they can simply be washed and reused time and time again!

SAVING OUR PLANET. Let’s polish off watermarks. Instead of using chemical treatments for wood, or varnishes that contain air-polluting chemicals, let’s get rid of watermarks using a dry cloth. Let’s rub the mark with olive or almond oil or mix butter with cigarette ash to turn it brown, then polish.

SAVING OUR PLANET. Clean clothes with bleach. If we want to get rid of blood in our clothes without using bleach, let’s pour salt or cold club soda onto the stain and soak in cold water before washing. For a more stubborn stain, mix cornstarch, talcum powder, and a little water into a spreadable paste and apply; then allow to dry and brush away.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-ion-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed)