http://daphne.palomar.edu/pdeen/Animations/23_WeatherPat.swf (Be sure and click all 4 buttons, then the arrow key to activate the map. It's the best animation of this phenomenon I've ever seen!)
That doesn't seem like much to worry about....until you read an article in the latest Scientific American. Research seems to suggest a northward shift of this area during the upcoming century. This would mean the dry subtropical band above it would also shift from its current location in northern Mexico to places like..uh...here and Arizona.
I really hope this is not true. Drought is such a horrid thing to gardeners, foresters, farmers, and the wildlife.
In the meantime, I'm glad for the beautiful signs of Spring all around.
Carolina Laurel Cherry now in bloom! :-) David/
