The midwest is in the middle of an overall strong El Nino and this is the peak of its grip.

Ed Shimon at the National Weather Service in Lincoln tells Regional Radio thanks to recent rains, the drought throughout the State is easing.

Looking to January, there are equal chances of above or below-normal precipitation and Shimon indicates temperatures are trending above normal all the way through to February.

As we get closer to the spring and then definitely by the summer, Shimon says El Nino should loosen its grip on the midwest and we return to mostly normal conditions.

Shimon reminds, we still anticipate having a couple of snow events still this winter. He explains an above-normal temperature signal doesn't eliminate the possibility of snow for the winter season.