Five Things: 2012 the Hottest Year on Record

1. TODAY'S FORECAST: A warmer winter day is expected with mostly cloudy skies and a high of 47. Expect parly cloudy skies and a low of 34 tonight.

2. BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETS TONIGHT: The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Knightly Meeting Room.

3. SEE THE FULL TOWN BUDGET: Have you taken a look at the 2013 proposed budget yet? Visit here to find the 2013 budget recommended by the Budget Committee.

4. THIS DAY IN HISTORY: On this day in 1776, writer Thomas Paine publishes his pamphlet "Common Sense," setting forth his arguments in favor of American independence.  Although little used today, pamphlets were an important medium for the spread of ideas in the 16th through 19th centuries.

5. 2012 THE HOTTEST YEAR ON RECORD: Did you know that 2012 was the hottest year on record for the lower 48 states. New Hampshire saw a record high average temperature of 47.19 degrees fahrenheit. All statistics are according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).