With five days remaining in the Christmas countdown, forecasts are focusing on which of the United States will have a white holiday. For most regions, existing snow cover will remain until at least December 25; however, several areas should receive a dusting just in time for Christmas.
For mountainous areas in the West-such as the Sierra Nevada and Rockies-skipping out on a white Christmas is, quite literally, slim to nil. But for the rest of the country?
Snowy Holiday Predictions in the East
Beyond the snowy peaks of the West, there are also a number of areas in the East likely to have some snow-clad landscapes. Towns and cities around the Great Lakes will see this-including Erie, Pennsylvania, a city that’s already seen record snowfall this season.
In addition, sections of North Dakota, northern Minnesota and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan likely will hold on to their snow blankets. There is also a possibility of a festive snowy morning in northern New England, enhancing the seasonal aspects in this area.
A Final Storm Brings Christmas Eve Hope
Forecasters are eyeing one more storm that could sprinkle additional snow just before Christmas. This system is expected to sweep through the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, and portions of the central Appalachians on December 24, possibly extending into the early hours of Christmas Day.
Although the storm will be primarily a rain event, there could be areas in the northern tier and central Appalachians that see some mixed precipitation from residual cold air. Even parts of New England may see some overnight snowflakes as a last gasp bit of winter.
Historical Context and Why a White Christmas Matters
To many Americans, the concept of a white Christmas carries a sentimental value, almost as if it is part of some sort of cultural memory, even a historical weather pattern. About 38 percent of the Lower 48 gets at least an inch of snow on Christmas Day.
While the fascination with snow-covered holidays has been at least centuries in the making, Bing Crosby’s song “White Christmas” really made this a 20th-century phenomenon. The romanticized imagery of snow-laden celebrations captivates imaginations still, and the forecast is an annually hotly anticipated topic come December.
In contrast, this year’s forecast makes sure that the certainty of an already snowy scene in most areas clashes with the suspense of waiting around for what might be their last-minute transformation. Either the snow’s magic will be seen or the gentle softness of mildness, but the magic in the holiday will surely manifest.
