Friends, the unthinkable has happened. Old man winter finally lost his snowballs.

According to the National Climate Data Center, January temperatures nationwide were 5.5 degrees Fahrenheit above the national average from 1901 to 2000. The 2000-2009 decade had the warmest average temperature, nearly 1 degree above the 20th century average. As a whole, this winter is the fourth warmest in recorded history.

We should have seen this coming. From Global Warming to Climate Change, it seems the old fogey has finally lost his frosty disposition and hypothermic will. Can you blame him? Gas prices are higher than Cheech and Chong on 4/20. Old man winter is saving more money driving his Prius than his snow-mobile.

But seriously, folks. While grilling in my backyard wearing nothing but a tube-sock all winter has been fun for me (less than fun for my neighbors and UPS employees), some industries are experiencing quite a bit of trouble.

According to USA Today, the maple syrup harvest began a month earlier than normal for the first time in history. Many farmers are worried about the possibility of a short season and small profits. Presumably, this will cause flapjack sales to fall substantially at waffle houses and IHOP across the globe.

On the other hand, the bacon and egg markets should see a massive uptick. Sorry, Babe. You were a good pig, but daddy needs the other white meat today.

Lake Erie has yet to freeze over with a current water temperature of 36 degrees. As the shallowest of the great lakes, Lake Erie is normally the first to freeze. The lack of ice has hit surrounding ice fishing and ice skating businesses very hard. According to WTOL 11 Ohio, some ice fishing charters haven’t had a single customer during the winter.

I feel like fishing is more fun without the risk of hypothermia and frostbite.

Snow removal companies have seen next to no business this year. Two days ago, DeKalb saw nearly five inches of snow, and this morning it has all but melted. Temperatures hovering around 40 degrees combined with rain have transformed DeKalb into a mud pit rather than the customary snow globe.

On the other hand, the local mud wrestling industry must be seeing record profits. And by proxy, the carpet cleaning industry.

Sled dogs may have been hit the hardest this year. With below average snow in many parts of the U.S., man’s best friend can no longer pull way more than his weight for extended periods across a frigid and barren landscape. Poor little guys. I’m sure they love doing that.

Luckily your chances of being pelted in the face with a yellow snowball have gone down exponentially.