After a series of mild winters, we just experienced a more typical January. In fact, temperatures were below normal for most of the country throughout the month. Here in Missouri, a mix of sleet, ice and snow has covered the ground for three weeks and we've had very few days above freezing since the beginning of the year. Heavy snow has blanketed much of Colorado, unusual cold has damaged crops in California and ice storms have plagued the southern plains.
Those who dread winter have probably had a miserable month. I suspect that many of them have secretly welcomed the idea of global warming, thinking that they would soon have a perpetual summer. Of course, others, like power companies, plowing services and natural gas producers have benefited from the prolonged cold and heavy snows. Our fearless TV weathermen were among the big winners; after a dud of a hurricane season, they were able to fan out across the country, bringing us eye-witness accounts of sliding cars, toppled powerlines and frozen oranges.
