AccuWeather has released a fresh forecast for a white Christmas across the United States, revealing that the chances of snowfall during the holiday have diminished for many regions. The updated outlook, issued on Tuesday, comes as warmer-than-average temperatures are expected to blanket a significant portion of the country.
What Defines a White Christmas?
According to AccuWeather's definition, a white Christmas requires at least one inch of snow on the ground on December 25th. This measurement includes any fresh snowfall that occurs on Christmas Day itself. The new prediction contrasts with earlier seasonal forecasts, indicating a less snowy holiday for many Americans.
Warmer Temperatures Alter Holiday Snow Outlook
The shift in forecast follows an earlier prediction from the Old Farmer's Almanac in early December. That almanac had projected snow possibilities across extensive areas, including the Plains—reaching into Texas—the Midwest, the Northeast, and parts of the mid-Atlantic region.
However, the current projections from the National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Centre point to a strong probability of above-average temperatures during the Christmas period. This warm spell is anticipated to be most pronounced in the Plains, the South, and the Midwest. Many of these same regions are also forecast to receive below-normal precipitation, further reducing the likelihood of a festive snow cover.
States With the Best Odds for a White Christmas
Despite the broader warming trend, AccuWeather's analysis still identifies several states with strong odds for a picturesque white Christmas. The list includes:
- Western states like California, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah.
- Northern states such as North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
- Northeastern states including West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
In a post on social media platform X, AccuWeather summarised the situation: "Dreaming of a white Christmas? It's a sure thing in the Rockies and around the Great Lakes, but snow chances in the central and eastern U.S. will depend on a storm passing through just ahead of the holidays."
Expert Meteorologist Weighs In
Meteorologist Scott Kleebauer from the Weather Prediction Centre provided further insight to CBS News. He highlighted specific areas with the highest probability of snow on the ground come Christmas morning.
"The best chances for a white Christmas this week in the U.S. are across the northern halves of Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and the northern Great Lakes," Kleebauer stated. He added, "Around the Adirondacks, across northern New England and into northern Maine. Those are the areas that look to be pretty good to have a white Christmas."
As weather patterns remain dynamic, this forecast could be subject to last-minute changes. Readers are advised to check for the latest local weather updates as Christmas approaches.
