AMES, I.A.(WNAX)- With drought conditions expected to expand across the region and mostly mild temperatures this winter, there is come concern of another year like 2012. That was a year of drought and extreme summer heat.

Dennis Todey, head of the Midwest Climate Hub in Ames Iowa, says there are some similarities.

Todey says there are some differences too.

The Climate Prediction Center is forecasting above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation for the northern plains into early summer.