As Christmas approaches in just two days, meteorologists are now able to predict with increasing confidence which states are likely to experience a white Christmas this year. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter weather warnings for several states, forecasting fresh snow to fall in the days leading up to the holiday. AccuWeather has also updated its white Christmas map, offering a clearer picture of which regions will see snow.
While the snow could add to the holiday magic, NWS has warned that at least 15 states will face challenging travel conditions this week due to winter weather and snow.
AccuWeather’s latest report indicates that 22 states, or portions of these states, have a high chance of a white Christmas, while 17 states have a low to medium chance. The remainder of the U.S., particularly southern states, has no chance of seeing snow. Some states that are likely to experience snow could even have flurries fall on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve.
States most likely to see a white Christmas include Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, northern Arizona, northern New Mexico, North Dakota, northeastern South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, northeastern Ohio, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Alaska.
States with a low to medium chance for snow include Nevada, Nebraska, Iowa, northern Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, West Virginia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Delaware, Rhode Island, Virginia, North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, eastern Kentucky, and Connecticut.
Southern states such as Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina, as well as Hawaii, have little to no chance of a white Christmas. However, snow occasionally falls in Hawaii’s high-elevation areas.
AccuWeather long-range forecaster Paul Pastelok noted that while the forecast is becoming more certain, changes are still possible. He mentioned that areas like northwest Connecticut and western Massachusetts could see an inch of snow from an incoming storm, potentially lingering into Christmas morning. On the other hand, states like Missouri and Nebraska are seeing diminishing chances for snow.
NWS meteorologist Liz Jurkowski shared that snow is expected to fall in Buffalo, New York, on Monday night, but should clear before Christmas, leaving enough cold air for a white Christmas. Meanwhile, the NWS Quad Cities reminded residents that a white Christmas is defined as having at least one inch of snow on the ground Christmas morning.
In contrast, NWS San Diego noted that the city has gone 131 years without a white Christmas, a streak that is likely to continue this year.
While many winter weather advisories across the U.S. are expected to expire before Christmas, travelers are advised to stay updated on the latest conditions before heading out.
