: Thanks, We've set an all time record for the least moisture in one year(
: since 1870's) at 8in. The temp today is expected to reach into the low
: 60's(F). I lived in Minot, North Dakota for a couple of years and still
: recall the bitter cold.

: Tom

I can recall days where the red ink dropped to - 40 C. It was so cold I couldn't start my car because the antifreeze turned to slush. I tried walking home (18 kms) and had to catch a ride from someone who kindly stopped and offered to drop me off at a bus station. My face was absolutely stinging and my thighs had gone numb after 10 minutes out there. That was roughly 8 years ago. Since then it has never been colder than - 30 C and only for short periods. I think the average temp for Dec/02 set a record here for warmth. The ave temp must have been 0 C or better, well above the seasonal average and with only a light sprinkling of snow. If we don't get more snow in 2003 we'll have a real problem. I read that last years seeds are not germinating in test labs so 2003 could prove to be a disaster of the likes we have not seen before. Last years was considered to be worse than the dirty thirties. The only good thing about the weather right now is that the river hasn't run dry so I can paddle to my hearts content regardles of the effects of the drought. I'm including a link so you can take a look at pics of my yak and teh river I paddle in. Warning: some of the pics are pretty cold looking so you may need a hot rum to warm yourself while you look.

Robert N Pruden