Dreaming of a snow-covered Christmas? The chance of a winter wonderland holiday all comes down to where you’ll be spending the festive season this year.
According to recent data from The Weather Company, not all regions of the U.S. are likely to experience what meteorologists officially classify as a white Christmas. To meet this definition, at least one inch of snow must be on the ground on Christmas morning, with snowfall later in the day not counting.
Despite some parts of the country seeing a snowy, cold start to December, a warming trend later in the month could melt away much of the existing snowpack before Christmas Day arrives.
The highest probabilities for snow on the ground Christmas morning are situated in the northern tier of the U.S., including parts of the northern Midwest and the Great Lakes region, as well as mountainous areas like the Cascades, Sierra Nevada, and northern Rockies.
While some areas may have a strong likelihood of experiencing at least one inch of snow (indicated by dark teal on Weather.com’s forecast map), other regions may see snowfall but it is not guaranteed, while gray regions are unlikely to have a white Christmas this year.
Despite the impressive snowfall in the Midwest and Northeast in mid-December, a general warming trend is expected to settle in leading up to Christmas week. Cold fronts may still pass through, but they are forecasted to be short-lived and mainly impacting the northern regions, which could result in the erosion of existing snow cover.
For snow enthusiasts, the Western mountains like the Cascades, Sierra Nevada, and northern Rockies are expected to continue accumulating snow through Christmas. This will help rebuild the depleted snowpack from earlier in the season due to record warmth and rain.
Compared to last year, where only about 26 percent of the U.S. had snow on the ground on Christmas morning, this year’s Christmas snow cover may look similar. However, surprises may still occur as the holiday approaches, as long-range forecasts may shift in the days leading up to Christmas.
Ultimately, whether you’ll have a white Christmas or not this year depends on the region you find yourself in come December 25th. The magic of snowfall on Christmas morning remains a whimsical dream for some, while others may need to seek out higher elevations or ski slopes to experience a snowy holiday.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.