Jody Victor : Polar bears are believed to rarely travel beyond about 82 degrees North due to the scarcity of food, though tracks have been seen in the vicinity of the North Pole, and a 2006 expedition reported sighting a polar bear just one mile from the Pole. The ringed seal has also been seen at the Pole, and Arctic foxes have been observed less than 60 km away at 89 degrees 40' N.

Birds seen at or very near the Pole include the Snow Bunting, Northern Fulmar and Black-legged Kittiwake, though some bird sightings may be distorted by the fact that birds tend to follow ships and expeditons.

Fish have heen seen in the waters at the North Pole, but these are probably few in number. A member of the Russian team that descended to the North Pole seabed in August 2007 reported seeing no sea creatures living there however, the seabed itself is at a very great depth.

Jody Victor

Jody Victor : Did you know the North Pole is significantly warmer than the South Pole? That's right - because it lies at sea level in the middle of an ocean (which acts as a reservoir of heat), rather than at altitude in a continental land mass like the South Pole.

Winter (January) temperatures at the North Pole can range from about -43 degrees C (-45 F) to -26 C (-15 F), perhaps averaging around -34 C (-30 F). Summer temperatures (June, July, August) average around the freezing point (0 C, 32 F).

The sea ice at the North Pole is typically around two or three meters thick, though there is considerable variation and occasionally the movement of floes exposes clear water. Studies have suggested that the average ice thickness has decreased in recent years due to global warming, though this conclusion is disputed by some. Reports have also predicted that within a few decades the Arctic Ocean will be entirely free of ice in the summer months. This may have significant commercial implications.

But as far as we know, Santa Claus and his visits will not be affected by this. His residence in the North Pole is safe and his yearly journey will take place Christmas Eve as usual. The weather prediction is clear and cold for Christmas Eve.

Merry Christmas!

Jody Victor

Jody Victor: When I was a kid, I remember hoping it would snow - a lot - so we could stay home an play in it. But now, as an adult, I still like the beautiful picture a snow covered yard and road can be, but I can't say I like driving in it. To better understand those early morning weather predictions, here are some definitions to get your day started.

Sleet: Precipitation of small, partially melted grains of ice. Sleet occurs only during the winter, while hail, a different form of icy precipitation, may fall at any time of the year.

Freezing Rain: Precipitation that begins as snow falling from a cloud towards earth. It melts completely on its way down through a layer of warm (above freezing) air and then supercools in a small layer of cold air just before it impacts the surface. Due to being supercooled the water freezes again upon impact.

Hail: Precipitation composed of chunks or lumps of ice formed in strong updrafts in cumulonimbus clouds. Individual lumps are called hailstones. Most hailstones are spherical or oblong, some are conical, and some are bumpy and irregular.

Snowflake: Formed when water vapor turns to ice crystals either in the clouds or on the way down to Earth.

Winter Storm Watch: Issued under changing weather conditions, when the specific timing, location, and path of an approaching or forming storm are undetermined.

Winter Storm Warning: Issued when more than 6 inches of snow, a significant ice accumulation, or a dangerous windchill (or any combination of the three) is expected within 24 hours.

Blizzard Warning: Issued when sustained winds of 35 miles per hour or greater, in combination with considerable snowfall and poor vivibility is expected for three hours or more.

Northeaster (aka Nor'easter): A storm that typically produces heavy snow and rain and generates large waves in the Atlantic coastal regions, often causing beach erosion and structural damage to buildings. Wind gusts can exceed hurricane speeds.

Be careful driving in any inclement weather.

Jody Victor

Jody Victor : If the last few days in Ohio were a a clue to the rest of our Winter - watch out! Snow and wind and cold. But today is a beautiful, sunny day - and we are grateful. Here's what some famous people had to say about the wind.

"The winds of grace blow all the time. All we need to do is set out sails." - Ramakrishna

"Those who plow the sea do not carry the winds in their hands." - Publilius Syrus

"What resason, like the careful ant, draws laboriously together, the wind of accident sometimes collects in a moment." - Frederick von Schiller

"What to do when inspiration doesn't come: Be careful not to spook, get the wind up, force things into position. You must wait around until the idea comes." - John Houston

"What, sir, would you make a ship sail against the wind and currents by lighting a bonfire under her deck? I pray you excuse me. I have no time to listen to such nonsense." - Napoleon I

Jody Victor