NEED TO KNOW
- Midwesterners begin winter prep rituals two seasons early—thermos checks included.
- Experts say pre-winter anxiety hits once daylight dips and pumpkin spice returns.
- This year’s mental snowstorm forecast: 90% chance of checking snowblower manuals.
As June rolls in and daylight slowly shrinks, pockets of Midwesterners are entering what local therapists call “pre‑winter paranoia.” These early adopters are already dusting off snow shovels, testing driveway deicers, and Googling “2025 snow blower models” with Olympic-level seriousness.
June snow anxiety? don’t laugh
Sitting on her porch in Des Moines, IA, Karen Schultz said, “I saw a gray cloud today, so I figured why not make hot cocoa just in case. Better safe than iced over.”
She’s not alone. Across Minnesota, a nation-wide trend sees people replacing iced tea with hot chocolate as soon as the sun hangs low. Seasonal produce has nothing on this panic: “I already packed my flannel pajamas,” confessed Des Moines barber Jeff Hansen. That’s 200 days before the first snow.
Experts weigh in
Dr. Rusty Winter, a behavioral psychologist in Chicago, said seasonal affective disorder doesn’t care about calendar dates. “When light fades — even a little — people think ‘Why not just get ready now?’” He advises planting summer flowers and ignoring oil change reminders for just a bit longer.
Neighbor rivalry kicks in
In Toledo, OH, friendly competition erupted after bragging rights went to the first family to park their snowblower in the garage. “We started training our kids to ask Dad about driveway temps,” one proud mother admitted. “They need to understand alpha-thermometer household roles.”
Retailers cheering — already stocking snow gear
Local stores have also joined the hype. Ace Hardware in Akron now features a “Countdown to Snow” display at the front door, complete with countdown candles and snowman decorations. “Yes, it’s June, but who are we to stand in the way of Thermostat Terror?” said manager Riley Thompson.
In short, the sun may still shine, but snow is already on the brain throughout the Midwest. Until the real flakes fall, expect an endless stream of coat checks, snow-blower YouTube tutorials, and premature mug warming.
This summer, if someone offers you a paper straw alongside a hot cocoa, just smile and nod—they might simply be winter prepping.
Quote of the moment
It’s 95 degrees, but I’ve already cleaned the snowblower and preheated my oven for holiday cookies — it’s called emotional peace
Karen Schultz
