Friday’s official high of 37 and low of 24 contributed to a temperature surplus of 4 degrees for the day, a continuation of what has been a mild December. Of the past 18 days, 15 have posted above normal temps and the month is now running 4.1 degrees above normal. Mild air over the Plains sent readings into the 50s as nearby as southwest Iowa and Missouri. Daytime highs are forecast to average nearly 6 degrees above normal through Tuesday with a push of mild air set to send our temps into the 40s early next week. While parts of the Plains basked in abnormal warmth, bitterly cold air was pooling to the north. Late Friday a reservoir of arctic air, with readings as low as the -40s had formed over northern Canada. The current mild spell is due to come to an abrupt end midweek.