Many Americans may be dreaming of a white Christmas, but few will end up walking in a winter wonderland this year. Above-average temperatures are forecasted for much of the continental U.S. during Christmas week of 2024. But some areas have a higher chance of snow than others. Where is the most likely spot to see snow on Christmas?
Except for some far northern and mountainous regions, most of the country will experience temperatures above the freezing point of 32 degrees Fahrenheit, making any precipitation fall as rain rather than snow. According to the National Weather Service, to define a "white Christmas," there should be at least 1 inch of snow on the ground on Christmas morning. This year, only certain parts of the U.S., particularly the Rocky Mountains, areas along the northern border with Canada, and parts of the Northeast, are likely to see this winter wonderland.
Regions expecting snow accumulation on Christmas Day include northern areas of North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. A forecast map highlights where snow is more likely to form, indicating limited areas will be able to maintain suitable temperatures for snow to settle. Parts of the Rocky Mountains, for example, will experience light snowfall due to moisture entering the region.
Weather-wise, the outlook for Christmas Day suggests temperatures will be well above freezing, leading most precipitation to manifest as rain across various interstate routes, including I-40, I-55, I-70, I-80, and I-90. Thankfully, weather scientists noted improvements might occur as atmospheric rivers begin to dwindle, allowing for clearer weather.
Looking to the South, more showers and storms are anticipated on the following Thursday, with some potentially developing severe characteristics as evening approaches, posing threats such as damaging winds and tornadoes. The situation worsens for the western U.S., where moisture flows from the Gulf of Mexico are predicted to stir another atmospheric river, likely resulting in winter storms and coastal rain across regions from Northern California to Washington State.
The increasing rarity of white Christmases has drawn attention, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) tracking snowfall patterns over the decades. Interestingly, the NOAA indicates, "More areas experienced decreases in their chances of having a white Christmas than those experiencing increases" based on comparative statistics from the periods of 1981-2010 and 1991-2020.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, parts of Britain brace for three extreme weather events simultaneously as weather maps turn orange, green, white, and purple on January 4. Notably, areas around Fort William, Scotland, are predicted to face rare freezing rain and ice pellets.
According to forecasts, temperatures are expected to plunge to as low as -15C during this time, resulting from specific conditions conducive to freezing rain. Unlike regular rainfall, freezing rain immediately freezes upon hitting cold surfaces, producing dangerous conditions as clear ice coats surfaces.
Ice pellets—tiny grains of solid precipitation —may also occur alongside the rain, formed when snowflakes partially melt and then freeze again as they fall. The Met Office revealed its long-range forecast between December 29 and January 7, indicating the UK will likely encounter unsettled and cooler conditions during this period as new fronts cross the country.
Following this weather report, potential for heavy rain is anticipated, particularly as colder air moves from the north, increasing the chance of sleet and snow, especially for northern areas. While starting temperatures are predicted to hover around average, colder conditions are likely to dominate with sporadic mild spells over the southern regions.
To highlight the fierce weather change, snow maps indicate the day when up to 550 miles of snow will affect the UK, beginning at 6 p.m. on January 1, as significant snow blankets East Anglia, sweeping through the East Midlands and up to Northern Ireland.
From early morning, regions such as southern England and Wales will also see snow, extending from Cardiff to the southern coast, with the forecast showing accumulation across northern locales on January 2. Importantly, weather forecasters mention the atypical rate at which these winter events are occurring, providing yet another aspect of weather changes experienced across regions.
Historically, both the U.S. and UK are seeing immense shifts and changes within their winter weather patterns, as increased temperatures and precipitation types challenge the traditional characteristics of Christmas and winter months.
