[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8x1D289bQ4?hl=en&fs=1&w=425&h=349]

WINDY WARM HOLIDAY: Clouds will not be a factor over the next two days, but the wind will be. Breezy south to southwesterly winds of 10-25mph with some higher gusts will be possible by later today across the western counties and statewide on Thanksgiving day. This will transport warmer air into the area, with readings easily climbing into the 50s and lower 60s on Thanksgiving Day.

WEEKEND SYSTEM: The next system will make its appearance in the state by late on Friday. Rain will continue into Saturday when colder air will filter in from Canada. This will also drop temperatures back into the upper 30s and 40s across the state. This will also change the precipitation from rain to a mix of rain and snow. Although accumulations aren’t expected at this time, snow chances will continue into the early part of next week when the system cuts off from the jet stream and meanders nearby. The best chances come Tuesday as the system lifts out to the northeast.

COLD DECEMBER: The month of December looks to start off cold but seasonal with chances of some light snow over the first week of the month. As of now, there looks to be no significant system that may produce enough snow for skiing or snowmobiling at this time. At least not in Iowa.