Long Dry Winter

The drought conditions that have caused massive wildfires in Texas and Oklahoma have extended into Arkansas. Fortunately until now we haven't had any fire problems - only the lingering danger - and thus no media attention. But you know, where there's smoke, there's fire and where there's fire, there are cameras and satellite trucks.

It has been awfully mild and unseasonable so far this winter in Arkansas. And it doesn't look to change any time soon. It was 74 degrees on Jan. 1! According to the National Weather Service, Arkansas experienced the driest December on record last month and 2005 was the 2nd driest year on record in the state.

Meanwhile, California gets deluged.

Wildfire Smoke Cloaks Ark.'s Bathhouse Row [AP via Yahoo]