Even with overcast sky conditions for much of Tuesday, temperatures were still able to warm into the low 50s for some locations in the state. Is this combination of clouds and warm temperatures typical for December? The featured chart displays the frequency of overcast conditions being reported by the Des Moines Airport by temperature for December. There are interesting things going on within the plot with a clear signal that overcast conditions as less likely as temperatures reach colder values below freezing. This makes sense was clouds help retain heat at night time, which prevents temperatures from cooling more rapidly.

Voting:
Good = 13
Bad = 8
Abstain = 4

Tags:   clouds