Weather

Forecasters say the unusually mild winter so far over the East and Midwest could reduce heating costs 20 percent. Good news for those who pay the heating bills. Maybe not so good for those who sell the fuel.

Rain may come (or not). It's all a question of what you do next.

Plan your route, and track your street.

A mild winter means cash-strapped governments save money. But lack of snow can be costly for others.

Poor weather on election day can mean fewer voters at the polls, and bigger expenses for the candidates.

This year will go down as the year with the most extreme, most devastating weather, ever.

An increase in extreme weather in 2011 has lead to one of the most expensive years for insurance claims. It's also turning out to be a record year for sheep rustlers on the lamb in the English countryside, where a record number of sheep have gone missing this year. Plus, China and Japan make a currency deal, Detroit girds for possible state takeover, and more top headlines from around the globe on this day after Christmas.

Chinese pollution particulates are shown to change weather patterns in the U.S., which will mean better skiing, more water for Californians, and even a better life for fish here at home

About a quarter million people lost power and suffered other wind damages.

A report out by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says we can expect hotter summers and more extreme weather events in the coming years.