OT: Good article on what's behind this wacky weather

<a href="http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/article.html?entrynum=2010">Remarkably dry and warm winter due to record extreme jet stream configuration</a>

The "Departure of temperature from average" maps for December are pretty interesting too.

Wacky, its almost absurd. Last winter was classic, reminded me of what winters used to be like or had a consistent run like in the 70's. First major snow last season was 12-27-10, though that melted off, week or so later that one stuck with the rest on top of it til April. I know we don't have it like those further north, but it sure made things really difficult.

This weather has provided some opportunity to get some long overdue things done, that and some time off due to a foot/leg problem, really nice to be able to work outside without the confines of a snow pack all around you.

The patterns of weather are something to look at, what is actually normal ? LOL periods of harsh winters, warmer drier winters, now or very little snow winters, have seen a couple of those, then add the global warming situation... sounds like an argument waiting to happen.

In any event I'll make use of it, but I sure hope it does not cause major problems with needed moisture in the dry areas, no snow pack no spring run off etc. like the article said.

Strangest thing I ever saw in winter was a painted turtle hatchling, 4 or 5 years ago, we had some odd warm weather in December/January and unfortunately for the turtle, he got run over, but had just hatched and was heading down my driveway towards the pond, they usually go in September, but sometimes the following spring, he got a false alarm, being cold blooded, he got enough heat to break out and walk away.

Since the big wallet folks are running around campaigning it seem to have created an off balance situation as the earth is in the stage of changing its axis. affecting the jet stream, also explaining in part the reason for all these rare earthquakes in the East.

Or maybe the campaigning alone is adding to the global warming situation with all the hot air.

Seems like nature is sending a message but when you see the results of these conferences on climate change, no one is really interested. There is such a time as "too late."

The ski resorts are all suffering, says the news. But home heating bills are down, so the majority US population is doing well. Lets not forget those deaths from freezing and traffic accidents. 2 sides to every coin.

I realize that many states depend on the runoff from melting snow for water the next spring and summer, and I feel for them. All I know is that my last two power bills have been the lowest in some time. Problem is, you never know what to expect a few days down the road. The bottom may drop out like it did here last week. (60s one day and two days later it didn't get above 40 with a chill factor in the 20s. then two days later than that back in the 50s.) You just have to take it one day at a time.

Been average weather here in MN in 2011.

Very cold, very very wet until July, then warm and no precip at all the rest of the year.

Came out about exactly average.

--->Paul

If there's one thing you can say about Minnesota weather, at least it's not monotonous. Just about any other insult can apply though.

Don't overlook "Fracking" to get the gas out of rock formations. A couple of days ago we had an earthquake near Love Field (commercial air port) in Dallas, TX. Never had one here before.

Guess we will have to put up with it or stop using fossil fuel. Seems everything you try to survive without imported fuel has a drawback.