Meteorological winter has started, which defines the coldest season of the year in the Northern Hemisphere as beginning on December 1st and continuing through the end of February.

The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center predicts the trend for the final month of 2020 will likely be warmer and drier than a typical December.

According to the Climate Prediction Center, a La Nina pattern will form in the Pacific Ocean, which will drive larger trends over the next three months. Long term trends indicate equal chances for above or below normal precipitation or temperature.

With winter weather conditions likely to return, Meteorologist Jeff Zogg with the National Weather Service in Des Moines reminds all residents of the main types of weather advisories and warnings issued most commonly from December to February, when it comes to the hazards associated with snow, ice, and bitter cold.

The immediate term forecast shows mainly dry conditions and above average warmth, with daytime highs remaining in the 40s and overnight lows in the 20s across south central Iowa.