December in Washington has started off on a chilly foot. According to the National Weather Service, normally the high temperature average is 37.2 degrees, but so far this month it’s been observed at 32.7 degrees. The overall average is normally 27.7 degrees and to start December it was recorded at 26.4 degrees in the first 12 days. Last month was a different story, as temperatures were well above normal. In November the average temperature is 38.3 degrees in Washington but last month it was a balmy 47 degrees.

State Climatologist Harry Hillaker says federal statistics showed this fall was the warmest on record. Hillaker shares a mild fall, generally means a mild winter in Iowa. Although, La Nina is in effect, which tends to bring cooler temperatures to the area.

Temperatures aren’t expected to rise above freezing in Washington until next week. Listen to KCII for weather updates.