The newest front-end contract is now January 2007! Below are three temperature probability maps for the United States by NOAA. http://www.cpc.noaa.gov/products/predictions/long_range/lead01/off01_temp.gif http://www.cpc.noaa.gov/products/predictions/long_range/lead02/off02_temp.gif http://www.cpc.noaa.gov/products/predictions/long_range/lead03/off03_temp.gif Now AccuWeathers forecast is a little different from NOAA's in that it is basically "Expect midwinter to be colder and stormier than normal in the South and East; warmer and drier over the Northwest into the northern Plains." Full AccuWeather forecast ( http://wwwa.accuweather.com/promo-ad.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0&dir=aw&page=winter2006 ) Overall, given the equal probabilities for above or below average weather for other parts of the United States, it's looks to be an above average winter for 06-07. Based on lower demand for heating oil (and subsequently crude oil) and the willingness for non-OPEC members to supply willingly I see lower oil in the next three months.