Dreaming of a white Christmas? The prognosis for next week is likely to destroy their ambitions.
According to the Climate Prediction Center’s forecast for next week, the majority of the country is expected to see above-average temperatures during the Christmas week. Even notoriously cold places, such as Bismarck, North Dakota, are expected to be above freezing on Christmas Day.
The states west of the Mississippi River have the biggest chance of seeing above-average temperatures next week. The northern Plains states have a 90%-100% likelihood of experiencing warmer-than-normal Christmas week weather.
That is not to say that these regions will be warm; rather, they will be warmer than typical for this time of year. The converse is true along the East Coast, where states are slightly more likely to have below-average temperatures.
“There are a few areas of the country that will have the chance to see some snow, but with many areas of the U.S. above freezing, there won’t be a whole lot of snow occurring on Christmas Day,” Brian James, a meteorologist for Nexstar, said. “The Pacific Northwest and sections of the Mid-Atlantic will get a chance at some snow. “Everyone else will have a snowless Christmas.
While it may be warm next week, it is unlikely to be dry. Many states are expected to get above-average precipitation. The Pacific Northwest stands the best chance, according to the Climate Prediction Center.
At higher elevations, this could result in snow, however many areas are more likely to experience rain.
This forecast may sound like excellent news to upper Midwest people who are now under winter storm warnings. On Thursday, a fast-moving winter storm dumped snow, ice, strong winds, and severe cold throughout most of the region, clogging traffic in the Twin Cities and causing North Dakota officials to close an interstate route.
Wisconsin and Minnesota might see up to 7 inches of snow, while North Dakota was hit hardest with heavy winds, snow, and freezing rain.
It’s unclear whether the snow will remain on the ground long enough for a white Christmas, as temperatures are expected to soar above freezing early next week.