Will 2012 be the warmest year on record?

It looks like 2012 could go down as one of the warmest years on record for the High Plains Region. When looking at the year-to-date temperature departures (see figure to the right) it is evident that the entire Region is running above normal. Year-to-date temperature rankings show that most locations are in the top 5 warmest on record. In addition, every state in the Region has at least one station with a record so far this year. One example is Wichita, KS which is having its warmest year on record with an average temperature of 63.6F. This is 1.7F warmer than the previous record of 61.9 set back in 1954 and 1934 (period of record 1888-2012).

So, what will the rest of December be like? According to the Climate Prediction Center, southern portions of the Region (Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, southeastern Wyoming, and far southeastern South Dakota) have an enhanced probability of above normal temperatures. There are no indications of above or below normal temperatures elsewhere in the Region.

Check out the table below to see more rankings from across the High Plains Region. HPRCC staff will periodically update this table throughout month and when 2012 comes to a close.

*indicates multiple years, latest year listed