The Chances for a White Christmas

The Holiday Season is here and many people are dreaming of a White Christmas. The likelihood of seeing those dreams come true, however, is 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 US, the climatological probability of having snow for Christmas is greatest across the northern tier of the country. Moving south, average temperatures increase and the odds for snow steadily decrease.

Here in New York City, the historical chance of having a White Christmas is 11%. This low probability is largely due to the city’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and its moderating influence on the temperature.

The snowiest Christmas on record for the Big Apple, according to the NWS, took place in 1909 when seven inches of snow was reported in Central Park.

This year, with temperatures forecast to be in the mid-40s on the big day, the city’s already minimal chance for snow has largely melted away.

Snow or no snow, The Weather Gamut wishes you a very Happy Holiday Season!

Source: NOAA