AUDIO: Craig Cogil, National Weather Service
Today?s temperatures have been surprisingly pleasant. However, a National Weather Service meteorologist says the warm temperatures won?t last long.
Craig Cogil serves as senior meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Des Moines. Cogil says today?s unusually warm temperatures lead a strong storm system moving through the upper Midwest.
?This airmass is moving through Iowa with strong southerly winds. We?re seeing temperatures well up into the 60s which is well above normal. Usually we sees highs in the 30s.?
Craig Cogil says cooler temperatures will move in for the remainder of the week.
?For the rest of the week, we?re going to see much colder temperatures with readings in the 20s and 30s for highs as opposed to the 50s and 60s we (experienced) this weekend. So, much colder weather for the entire week ahead,? Cogill said.
Thursday will bring a chance for rain. However, the possibility is not major at this time.
Moving forward, Iowa will see fluctuating temperatures throughout the winter months.
?We will see fluctuations in temperatures as we head through the winter,? Cogil said. ?The thread of 60 degree temperatures greatly diminishes from here forward. It?s pretty unlikely that we will see days like this in the next two to three months.?
Cogil advises Iowans to prepare for cooler, winter-like temperatures.
?Be prepared; have your winter jacket ready to go,? Cogil said. ?Again, there?s no major concern as far as travel, with little precipitation occurring. But, just be prepared as you would with any winter weather.?
