In my humble opinion there is strong linkage to extreme weather and lack of arctic sea ice, the current weather set up, and climate change.
Dr. Jenifer Frances of Rutgers University research with an easy to follow presentation from last year on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETpm9JAdfcs
Roger Hill
Weathering Heights Consulting
186 MacKenzie Dr.
Worcester VT 05682
Nature never breaks her own laws --da Vinci