Extreme Weather Photos Of The Week From Around The World

This past week, U.S. federal weather forecasters announced their predictions for the beginning of 2012. They say the first three months of 2012 will see warmer than normal temperatures in the eastern U.S. and the opposite out west. The weather predictions are based on the continued effects of the La Nina weather phenomenon.

The effects of Texas' prolonged drought on the state's cattle industry were apparent this week. The state's cattle population has dropped by 12 percent since the beginning of 2011, totaling a loss of 600,000 cows.

Heavy winds continued in the United Kingdom this week, with gusts of up to 70 miles per hour hitting some coastal areas of Southern England.

Hurricane Irene recovery in Vermont and New Hampshire got a boost this week from a $75,000 donation from several non-profit organizations in those states.

Check out these pictures of extreme weather from around the world in the past week, and let us know in the comments how it compares to the weather in your area.

Also on HuffPost: