While of course it's impossible to say with certainty that the warm weather in the Northeast is a result of global warming, it is just as impossible to confidently assert the contrary.

It is likewise shameful to sum up the issue with a dismissive and misleading statement such as, "One of the most fascinating things about the weather and climate is it is always changing," ("Global warming overhyped," Jan. 17).

I was disappointed to see the Collegian print a letter to the editor from a meteorologist on matters of climate, especially one who made such claims as those.

The fact is many climate models have predicted that global warming would lead to more frequent or even regular El Niño conditions.

Extreme weather events, like the snowstorms we've seen in Denver, believe it or not, are also consistent with the models.

Also, 2006 was the hottest year on record, followed by 2005.

This should set off some discussion, and the discussion should not be about how normal it all is.

I agree that weather is no indicator of climate, and the record-highs are only one disturbing picture.

But to quote Bob Dylan, "You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows."