Des Moines, IA (KICD)– The start to 2023 got off to an interesting start with above normal numbers showing up in multiple weather and climate categories.

State Climatologist Justin Glisan tells KICD News temperatures were well above average in some parts of the state despite some very cold overnight lows at the end of the month.

Technically the entire state was also wetter than normal with liquid precipitation numbers coming in an inch or more above average, but that is not exactly difficult to do this time of the year.

One number that is statistically abnormal is the amount of snow received in parts of Iowa, especially the northern part of the state.

Glisan notes that while we did receive plenty of snow that will help keep ground temperatures a bit warmer, it is not necessarily going to assist in recovering from drought.

Looking ahead the cold air were are continuing to experience for the first part of February looks to be going away as we get into next with extended outlooks hinting at above normal temperatures going into the middle of the month.