A warm trend is expected to continue into the Christmas holiday across south central Iowa. The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center shows a strong chance of above average temperatures continuing through December 25th. Long range forecasts show daytime highs in the 40s and an occasional jump into the 50s are likely during that time. State Climatologist Justin Glisan says this continues a trend of what has been a much warmer and drier than normal fall in the state. Little to no precipitation is expected over the next few weeks as well.