Beginning Of January 2013 Compared To 2012

Our recent stretch of warmer than average temperatures pales in comparison to what we experienced last year.

Here's a look at the difference in high temperatures from the first week of January this year compared to last year. Aberdeen has the biggest temp swing, going from an average high of 45 degrees last year to an average of 26 degrees this year. Pierre's difference goes from 48 degrees to 30. Sioux Falls is averaging 14 degrees cooler, while Rapid City fell from 54 degrees to 41 degrees.

Many also enjoyed record high temps in the 60s for a day during the first week of last January, but that hasn't been the case this year.  These colder temps may be contributing to the rampant flu bug as people are spending more time indoors.