1. Double-tops are the rule rather than the exception. See the chart on Post #12 to see that Cycle 23 had a clear double-top. This is because the North pole and South pole flip independently, often about a year apart.
2. The second top is usually about the same size as the first, so it won't rescue a "failed" Cycle 24.
Japanese solar scientists are seeing evidence that the Sun may fail to fully flip this cycle--stuck with two South poles with the "North pole" emerging along its equator in a complex four-pole configuration. This weakened magnetic field may stay in place for 30-40 years, which theoretically also happened during the Maunder Minimum.
Bottom line is my arse is gonna be cold riding my Harley in what passes for “summer”, now.
In the 90’s, we’d already be getting ready to bring the bikes out and keep riding clear into early November.
For the last 12 years, we’re lucky if we’re on the road by June and it’s too cold at night by the end of August...and February begins our new “monsoon season”.
Months of rain until mid-June.
It sucks.
My willows, which are my personal harbingers of spring, have not even put out proto-buds, yet.