The start of climatological winter on Dec. 1 marked a reversal in the overall temperature trend in Iowa.  

For the state as a whole, the two-month period of October and November averaged 3.9 degrees below normal, then December averaged 6.2 degrees above normal.  

January temperatures averaged above normal, but showed wide variability. The coldest readings occurred during the second and third weeks of the month. Into late January, temperatures averaged 1 to 6 degrees above normal across the state. The table with this...