Will It Be a White Christmas in the U.S.?

As the holiday season approaches, many are left wondering if they will be greeted with a picturesque white Christmas. According to Scott Kleebauer, a meteorologist at the Weather Prediction Center, the best chances for snowfall on December 25 will be across the northern regions of the U.S., particularly in the northern halves of Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, and the northern Great Lakes.

Areas Likely to Experience a White Christmas

Kleebauer highlights several regions that could enjoy a white Christmas, including:

• The Adirondacks
• Northern New England
• Northern Maine

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) defines a white Christmas as having at least start inch of snow on the ground on the morning of December 25. While some regions may still have a shot at seeing snow, the odds diminish as start moves further west from Minnesota.

Forecast Challenges

A significant ridge of high pressure is anticipated to build across the southern central Plains, greatly influencing the weather patterns in the coming days. Kleebauer notes that this will lead to well-above-normal temperatures, which could impact snow levels. However, areas like Minnesota and the Dakotas, which already have a decent snowpack, may have trouble melting their existing snow despite the warmth.

Overall, the opportunities for a white Christmas appear to decline significantly in southern and western regions of the country. The Northeast, in contrast, is expected to maintain near-normal weather conditions, avoiding the brunt of the high-pressure ridge.

Current Snow Coverage

As of Friday, only about 22% of the contiguous United States was snow-covered, according to NOAA data. This limited snow coverage suggests that many areas may find a white Christmas to be a distant possibility.

Historical Odds for a White Christmas

Historically, the northern tier of states near Canada, along with parts of the northeastern U.S., tend to see the highest probabilities of a white Christmas. The likelihood of having at least start inch of snowfall on Christmas Day varies widely across the country. For example:

• Minneapolis-St. Paul: Approximately 74% chance
• Cleveland: 39%
• Chicago: 34%
• Detroit: 35%
• Indianapolis: 26%
• New York City: 13%

Chances are notably lower in southern states, where the likelihood of a white Christmas diminishes significantly south of Interstate 80, with exceptions occurring in higher elevations, such as parts of West Virginia.

Conclusion

With Christmas just around the corner, the prospect of a white Christmas remains a hot topic among weather enthusiasts. As predictions unfold, those in regions with higher probabilities can prepare to embrace the holiday season amidst the beauty of winter. For those considering travel during the festive season, booking a stay may be an attractive option for getting into the holiday spirit.