Welcome to December, the last month of the year. In December, temperatures continue to drop with average highs dropping from the 30s into the 20s and the lows dropping into the single digits and teens. For example Mason City drops from an average of 33 and 17 on the 1st to 23 and 6 on New Year’s Eve. Cedar Rapids drops from 37 and 21 to 28 and 11 on the 31st. Des Moines drops from 39 and 22 to 29 and 13. Precipitation is mainly in the form of snow, with the average snow amounts for the month anywhere between 6-9 inches of snow. However, there have been some big snowfall amounts in the past. Des Moines picked up 18 inches of snow on the 26th in 1888. The 30 day outlook shows below average temperatures for the state this month with near average precipitation. Given what the models have been showing looking further into the month, much colder weather is likely in store after today’s warm day. Get out and enjoy the 50 degree temperatures, it might be awhile before we see readings this warm again.