2006 was the warmest year on record across the continental U.S., according to just released findings. The El Nino cycle as well warming linked to greenhouse gases were cited as factors. 2006 joins the previous eight years in being amongst the 25 hottest years since record keeping began. For more, see this report(1) from MSNBC.
1. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16542693/