The holidays are here and many people are dreaming of a white Christmas. The likelihood of seeing those dreams come true, however, are largely dependent on where you live.
According to NOAA, a white Christmas is defined as having at least one inch of snow on the ground on December 25th. In the Unites States – aside from mountainous regions – the greatest chance of seeing snow for Christmas is in cities across the northern tier of the country. Average temperatures in that region are usually below freezing by December. Moving farther south, the probability of having a white Christmas steadily decreases.
Locally, here in New York City, the odds of having snow on Christmas Day are less than twenty-five percent. This low probability is largely due to the city’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and its relatively mild air. This year, despite some recent chilly temperatures, NYC is not expecting a white Christmas.
Snow or no snow, the Weather Gamut wishes you a very happy holiday!
Probability of a white Christmas based on data from 1981-2010.
Image Credit: NOAA