Also this next year - or I should say 11 years? - may be hotter due to solar activity -
Solar cycle 24, due to peak in 2010 or 2011 "looks like its going to be one of the most intense cycles since record-keeping began almost 400 years ago," says solar physicist David Hathaway of the Marshall Space Flight Center. (link below)

One wonders if any of this has an effect on the weather..

Canie

• Scientists Predict Big Solar Cycle