Earth swelters in warmest winter since 1880

[pk]

Temperatures.jpg: Global January to February temperatures reached an all-time high in 2007 (Image: NOAA)

This has been the world's warmest December to February period on record, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

NOAA scientists say the combined global land and ocean surface temperature from December 2006 to February 2007 was 0.72 °C above the 20th century mean, putting it at its highest since records began in 1880.

The warmest January on record was responsible for pushing up the overall temperature for the period, say the researchers, who add that a moderate El Niño in the Pacific also contributed.

Jay Lawrimore of NOAA's National Climatic Data Center says the previous record was in 2004, and the third warmest was in 1998.

During the past century, global surface temperatures have increased about 0.06 °C every decade, but that rate has tripled since 1976 and now stands at 0.18 °C per decade. Some of the largest temperature increases occur in the high latitudes of the northern hemisphere.

FULL STORY HERE: http://environment.newscientist.com/...ince-1880.html

[MrKhay]

Other planets in our solar system are experiencing similar climactic changes, and it seems as man isn't there with his trucks, cars, lawnmowers, charcoal grills...etc. etc. there's no reason to believe man is responsible for the weather. The ice caps on Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are also melting. It's cyclic. Solar Flares!
Our Sun is cycling constantly. At this time, the Sun's cycle is in that violent stage. Don't worry, it'll all calm down, and we can focus on what we need to worry about.
Secure our borders...feed the hungry...house the homeless.
Let's get real!

[AJE]

Tropical Cyclone Gonu Threatens Persian Gulf

June 5, 2007


:arrow: With winds of 160 miles per hour and gusts of 195 miles per hour...

Now classified as a Category 5 cyclone, Tropical Cyclone Gonu may be behind recent price increases in the crude oil market. Although the storm is expect to weaken somewhat before landfall in Oman, it remains uncertain what kind of effect this storm may have on world market supply. Currently, the path of the cyclone is headed for the Strait of Hormuz, a major thoroughfare for tankers making fuel deliveries worldwide. Tankers in the area are currently attempting to navigate to safe areas, causing shipping disruptions.

Cyclones are extremely rare in the Persian Gulf, which is creating concerns that neither facilities nor personnel are prepared for the challenges that may be encountered. Current threats include high winds and possible flooding and/or storm surges. According to Jim Andrews at Accuweather, “I can say with confidence that this forecaster has never seen the likes of this . . . I cannot rule out extreme, unusual weather in UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to at least Al Ahsa and the southern/middle Najd (Riyadh).” Damage to offshore drilling rigs and loading platforms may cause serious problems for a market already characterized by tight market conditions.

Updates on this rapidly developing weather phenomenon coming soon.

http://www.enermaxinc.com/tropical-c...-persian-gulf/

MUSCAT, Oman (AP) -- A cyclone expected to be the strongest storm ever recorded in the Arabian Peninsula churned toward the oil-rich Gulf on Tuesday, forcing thousands of residents of Oman's coastal towns to flee their homes.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/....ap/index.html

[MrKhay]

Whatever they have to do to keep the crude oil prices up. The storm hasn't hit land yet, and they already started raising the cost of crude. I heard they were concerned with the safety of oil tankers that use the Straits of Hormuz in transit.