The average temperature across both the contiguous U.S. and the globe during climatological winter (Dec.2007 - Feb.2007) was the coolest since the winter of 2000-2001. This is according to the National Climatic Data Center in Asheville North Carolina. The winter precipitation,Pacific Storms,bringing heavy precipitation to large parts of the west,produced high snow pack that will provide welcome runoff this spring.

The winter temperature was 33.2 degrees which ranks as the 54th coolest since records began in 1895. From the Midwest to the great lakes snowfall was at record levels for not only the months of January and February but some cities had there snowiest winters ever recorded. Madison Wisconsin broke 100 inches for the first time ever and Milwaukee is closing in. We all know Lansing set a new February snowfall record at 27.6".

This was all due to cooler Pacific ocean temperatures near the equator which is called a "La Nina" event. The snapback in the mountains exceeded 150% of average in large parts of CO.,AZ.,NM.,and OR.Record February precipitation in the Northeast helped make the winter the 5th wettest on record for the region. New York had their wettest winter while PA.,CT.,VT., and CO., had their second wettest winter.