The weather phenomenon El Nino is continuing to be blamed for the recent extreme weather conditions across the United States. This month Florida has been in the midst of a cold snap, California has been swamped by heavy rainfall and Colorado has experienced higher than normal snow. But as Jason Dasey reports from Denver, not all meteorologists are convinced that El Nino is the cause.

It's been one of Denver's snowiest autumns for many years with almost twice the average number of days with snow this season. It started with the second biggest snowfall in history in October and has continued ever since, and last week several towns south of Denver were isolated after yet another blizzard.

Temperatures have also been below normal, but experts say it is too early to blame the conditions on El Nino, a pool of warm water along the Pacific coastline which can cause extreme weather. The heavy snowfalls have been a blessing for the ski industry. Colorado resorts like Breckonridge and Loveland opened early and the current conditions are among the best seen for many seasons.

The irony is that the worse blizzards may be yet to come. Colorado traditionally receives its heaviest snowfalls in March and April.
 

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