Minnesotans brace for the cold with warm clothing and strategies

In Minnesota, residents are once again facing the return of frigid temperatures, marking the coldest air experienced since March. On Tuesday, many are donning hats, gloves, and mittens as the winter chill sets in. While for some this is a seasonal nuisance, others like Mike Row find comfort in the winter months. Row, having worked as a mail carrier for years, enjoys the ability to layer clothing to stay warm rather than facing the struggles of extreme summer heat. He took a stroll around Lake Como in St. Paul, echoing sentiments shared by fellow winter enthusiasts who recognize the need for adequate layers to combat the cold. Mary Jetter, another winter walker, shared her strategy of embracing the cold, stating that once you adapt, temperatures that reach 70 degrees feel excessively warm. Her approach emphasizes a mental adjustment to the winter weather, which many residents undergo. As people adapt to the chilly conditions, stores begin seeing an uptick in demand for winter supplies. Dan Bougie, the manager of Frattallone's on Grand Avenue, reported an increase in customers purchasing ice melt and other winter-related items, reflecting the impact that cold weather has on everyday lives. Despite the occasional cold snap being a fixture of Minnesota winters, many residents still express surprise at the reality of cold temperatures each year. Terri Jensen and her daughter Emily ponder over their feelings towards the cold, with Emily noting that while they don't love it, they have accepted it as lifelong Minnesotans. With temperatures expected to remain below freezing throughout the holiday week, locals are reminded to prepare for the duration of winter. Whether one chooses to embrace or escape the cold, it is clear that winter has firmly taken hold, prompting a call for residents to dress appropriately as conditions firmly establish themselves in Minnesota.