And that's how a thunderstorm off the coast of India might trigger a pattern of events which led to the weather switch last spring.

BBC: Met Office three-month forecast was 'not helpful'

Over the coming weeks gasoline prices are expected to drift higher, as they do nearly every late winter and early spring when refiners close for maintenance and switch to more expensive summer blends.

NPR: Oil Prices Down Sharply For A 2nd Day

The switch-hitting catcher sparkled in spring training with a .341 batting average, but the Orioles decided to have him start the year in Triple-A. The reasons are mostly financial: by pushing back Wieters' major league debut, the O's have ensured that their star catcher won't be eligible for salary arbitration until after 2012.

FORBES: Sports