Weather records broken as New Year opens

The new year in Iowa began by breaking some records for winter weather. Des Moines set a new record at 60 degrees, on a day when the normal high averages 29. It was also a record 62 in Moline, the weather recording station for the Quad Cities and a new high of 64 was set in Burlington, Ottumwa and Lamoni. It felt like spring, complete with a dense mist that gave Friday a gloomy look and cut visibility. After a night of heavy fog that made driving downright dangerous, drivers and Iowans taking down the holiday lights today can look for colder temps and some brisk winds. The change will be a big one — winter storm watches have been posted already across parts of Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri and Illinois for tonight and Sunday.