It's only been a few weeks of winter, but it certainly feels like spring.
It might great for the fauna, but the warmer than usual temperatures are confusing the flora.
Normally trees and flowers are dormant in the first week of January, but not this year.
Plants and shrubs are getting mixed messages about the weather and some are beginning to bud as if it's spring. The phenomenon is creating some odd sights around Southwestern Ontario.
Forecasters are quick to point out that this warm spell isn't necessarily mean global warming is upon us.
They say the warmth is due to a combination of factors. El Nino, a cyclical weather event in the Pacific Ocean can lead to warmer temperatures, particularly in North America. The jet stream, the flow of air that normally keeps warm air from getting too far into Ontario is running further North than usual this year.
While the warmer weather means confusion for the plants, it's starting to spell disaster for winter businesses across Southwestern Ontario.
Many owners are feeling their profits pinched as the mercury stays above the freezing mark.
