Christmas may have been a warm affair for the entire eastern two-thirds of the country, but New Year's is going to be much different.
Since Dec. 25, cooler air has been slowly working its way across the country, and by New Year's Day, all but the East Coast and a few spots in the Upper Midwest will be experiencing a more seasonable holiday.
It still won't likely be as warm as the record-breaking temperatures many experienced on Christmas Day in those places, but it's likely to be a little warmer than usual when ringing in the New Year.
This trend is likely to extend into the first two weeks of 2016 as well.
Long range forecast models show the East Coast and even parts of the Midwest with warmer than average temperatures for the next two weeks.
Meanwhile, the western half of the country — Alaska excluded — will continue to feel winter's chill, something the eastern half of the country really hasn't had to deal with so far this season.
As winter continues, long-term forecast models are sticking with a classic El Niño setup with warmer and drier conditions in the northern half of the country and cooler, wetter conditions in the southern half.
For the beginning of 2016, however, the tug of war between a colder West and a warmer East will prevail.
Follow Storm Shield Meteorologist Jason Meyersvia the Storm Shield appon Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. Download the Storm Shield Weather Radio App for your iPhone or Android device and get severe weather alerts wherever you are. Named by Time.com one of the best weather apps for your iPhone.
