Britain shows early signs of spring

Xtreme Weather Watch: In reaction to unseasonably warm winter weather, signs of spring are showing up early in Britain. January temperatures averaged 41.5 degrees Fahrenheit, more than 3 degrees above average. February 12 was the warmest ever for that date, at 65 degrees. Butterflies and ladybugs are taking wing, and tadpoles are starting to hatch. The danger, according to the Woodland Trust, is that a cold snap may come before the real spring arrives. (PlanetArk)
(Photo of ladybug courtesy of Flickr and nutmeg66/Rachel)

Some have sold their children in Afghanistan because they weren’t able to care for them in the severe cold and snow that has plagued the country this winter. Others have had limbs amputated because of frostbite. The worst cold spell in decades has caused more than 750 deaths and damaged 40,000 homes. Snow has blocked roads and interrupted relief efforts and supplies. (PlanetArk)

Raleigh, N.C.’s, water supply is very low and may dry up by summer, as about half the state faces extreme drought. Other Southeast states are suffering the same conditions. (CNN)

Global climate change caused Bolivia’s disastrous flooding, the country’s prime minister said, and therefore the rich countries of the world should send aid. Rain-caused landslides ruptured water mains in the capitol, La Paz, and one city is surrounded by muddy water. The U.S. pledged $150,000 in aid. (AP)