ABERDEEN, S.D. (WNAX) – It may be hard to believe, but winters in the northern plains have been getting warmer. South Dakota State Climatologist Laura Edwards says that trend has been apparent for quite a while.

Edwards says it is not a straight upward line.

Edwards says there has not been a comparable trend on winter precipitation.

A La Nina is expected to develop in the Pacific Ocean this winter which may lead to below normal winter temperatures in the northern plains.