How's this for a weather forecasting challenge? Imagine forecasting for a moving target that will, over a period of two months, travel more than 13,000 miles, zigzagging through the diverse climates of 46 states including Florida, Maine, Texas and Colorado.

The moving target that I'm speaking of is the Olympic Torch for the 2002 Winter Games. The torch left Atlanta two weeks ago, and more than 15,000 runners will carry it on its way to Salt Lake City. Most torchbearers were selected from local communities and will run about two-tenths of a mile. The torch was built to withstand temperatures ranging from -40 to 80^oF, as well as strong winds and rain.

And guess what. The torch is coming our way this Saturday. It will begin the day in the DC area, then work its way to Baltimore for lunch. The torch will then head to Wilmington and eventually Philadelphia, where it will preside over dinner that evening at the Art Museum.