Created: 02/11/2009 8:57 AM KSTP.com | Print Story By: Dave Dahl

Is the weather a little crazy lately or is it just me?

We've seen the heaviest snow in London in nearly 2 decades, ice storms nearly down to the Gulf Coast, and record cold across many parts of Canada over the last month and a half.   

The 5 inches of snow that fell in London a few days ago brought the city to a standstill.  That doesn't seem like a lot of snow but they're not prepared for much snow at all.  They don't have enough plows to remove any snow let alone nearly half a foot so they basically have to wait until it melts!  

The recent ice storm that paralyzed parts of Kentucky and Arkansas was thanks to an Arctic cold front that made it all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico.  Trees and power lines were downed by over half an inch of ice that accumulated thanks to rain falling through temperatures in the 20s.  

Actual air temperatures in the 20 to 40 below zero range have been common across much of Canada this winter, causing difficulty with the most basic of daily chores, like just getting the car started!  Since last winter was so cold across most of Canada, residents there are wondering if this is a trend that will last a while. 

Weather patterns go through constant changes throughout the year.  When significant changes in the jet stream occur during the winter months there are larger swings in temperatures than in the summer months.  The ice and snow covered ground is the breeding place for extremely cold air, while increasing sun angle helps warm those areas with bare ground.  A small change in wind direction aloft can mean temperature swings in the 20 to 30 degree range in a matter of hours.

We're seeing one of those warm swings right now.  Unfortunately when it warms up this time of the year, many times we have to deal with fog and drizzle because of the added moisture from the melting.  It could be just cold enough for some freezing drizzle or freezing rain over the next few days, which will mean a few more headaches on the way to work and school.

Have a great day!

Meteorologist Dave Dahl