(State) 2021 could be ushered in with warmer than normal temperatures.
There isn’t any bitter cold in the near future, but according to state climatologist Justin Glisan there is a possibility of above average precipitation. “We are seeing elevated probability for warmer temperatures.” State Climatologist Justin Glisan says, “We are seeing on the precipitation side a trend from near normal to slightly above average precipitation.”
Glisan notes there is a clear signal for warmer than average temperatures both in the short term and long term for the month. A big, looming snow event this week will likely send most areas of the state north of their typical December totals. “Western Iowa has been dryer than average, especially the Northwest corner. Southern Iowa has seen a little more precipitation. Depending on the event we are going to have, if we do get snow totals that are forecast those could tip the scales in terms of the averages so it’ll be to be determined on that front.”
