From catastrophic ice storms in New York, to torrential rain in California, to record heat in Texas, the only constant in the weather these days is its inconsistency. In this hour of To the Best of Our Knowledge, our strange weather. Is it here to stay? Also, the phenomenon of weather channel addiction.

Science journalist Mark Hertsgaard tells Judith Strasser that global warming is definitely here, and that only in the United States are people suggesting that there's any scientific debate about it. And, he says it's likely to cause more bizarre weather in the years ahead. Hertsgaard's book is "Earth Odyssey." Also, Red Cross volunteer Dee Elliott tells Jim Fleming about her experience helping survivors of natural disasters including typhoons in Guam, hurricanes in Puerto Rico, and floods in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. She says the worst trauma (apart from loss of life) is the destruction of one's memories and personal keepsakes.

Judith Strasser shares a personal essay on living in Wisconsin, even in Winter. Also, Ruth Kirk is a natural history writer and the author of "Snow." She tells Jim Fleming that snow is crucial to the survival of many plants and animals. A blanket of snow really can keep you warm if you're a vole or a dog. And, Aaron Frank, a writer for Motorcycle Product News in Madison, Wisconsin, tells Judith Strasser about "the polar plunge" — when he and his friends drill a hole through the ice on one of Wisconsin's lakes in January, strip off and dive in.

Distribution dates:

• week of 01/31/99 - hour 2