A tip of the hat and a bow to Star Tribune reporter Bill McAuliffe for the superb article on the state's changing weather patterns ("Year in weather '12," Jan. 5). It's precisely the kind of careful examination of changes in our weather needed to educate the populace. Climate change is a very real crisis challenging our world and gaining speed every day. McAuliffe's approach was particularly powerful in telling us about the changes happening in Minnesota. He told the story by referencing the places we all recognize, as well as reminding us of events many of us experienced ourselves. Thanks to McAuliffe and the Star Tribune for bringing public attention to this critical issue. Keep up the good work!

NANCY B. MILLER, MINNEAPOLIS