Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Children from Nicole Schroeder’s day care take a ride on the swing at Hermann Heights Park. With a mild start to December, the day care kids able to enjoy their favorite park while the weather lasts. L to R: Kinley More, Aspen Beranek and Charlie Christian

NEW ULM — December is off to a balmy start with no snow and temperatures holding in the mid-50s.

The high temperature for Dec. 1 was 54 degrees. This was relatively low compared to the high temperature of the last week. The last few days of November saw temperatures in the 60s.

The warm weather has kept the snow away for the time being. A drizzle fell early Wednesday morning, leaving 0.15 inches of rain but temperatures remained above freezing.

With the mild start to December, outdoor activities remain in full swing. Day Care provider Nicole Schroeder has taken children to Hermann Park for the last few days in a row.

“It is our favorite park,” Schroeder said as she pushed Kinley More, Aspen Beranek and Charlie Christian on the park swing.

Schroeder said even more families were at Hermann Park on Nov. 30. There was almost no wind that day. She expected snow because of the early morning rain but was happy they could come to the park for a few more days.

Schroeder said it was not unusual for her daycare kids to come to the park in December. She said the last few years the snow has held off for a few weeks.

According to weather data, the highest recorded temperature for Dec. 1 was 67 degrees set in 1998.

The temperature is expected to drop throughout the week with high temperatures going into the 40s on Thursday and Friday. Temperatures are forecasted for the high 20s on Monday and Tuesday next week. Snow is not predicted for the next 10 days.