Copyright Newsweek
More than a dozen states have a chance at seeing snow at Christmastime this year, according to a recent forecast from the Old Farmer's Almanac. Although it is still too early to anticipate snowy weather with much certainty, forecast trends reveal that many regions across the country are expecting a chance at snow that could make for a white Christmas. "Late week one [in December] and through the mid-month period, we could get into a favorable pattern where storms are coming out of western Canada bringing in some cold," AccuWeather lead long-range meteorologist Paul Pastelok told Newsweek. "This year we feel pretty confident there's going to be some whiteness on the ground in a lot of these places." Why It Matters The Old Farmer’s Almanac's outlook offers guidance for families and travelers as they prepare for the busy holiday travel season. While a white Christmas might add to the holiday's ambiance for millions, Christmastime is one of the busiest holiday travel seasons of the year. Snow showers and slick roads could impede travel as people try to reach their families for the holiday. The outlook comes as much of the Upper Midwest, Ohio Valley, and Northeast states are expecting their first snow of the season this weekend and early next week, according to AccuWeather. What To Know The publication said snowy weather was expected across the Northeast, Upper Midwest, Lower Lakes, eastern Ohio Valley, the Appalachians, High Plains, Intermountain West and Alaska. In the Northeast, the greatest chances at snow will be in Maine and parts of upper New Hampshire. Further south, snow showers could mix with sunny skies for New York and Pennsylvania. Similar weather will stretch into the Ohio Valley, with Ohio also expecting sunny skies with a chance of snow. In the Midwest, snow is forecast for Indiana and Illinois, as well as further south into Kentucky and West Virginia. Virginia could see a mix of snow and rain. The Upper Midwest, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan will see sunny skies with a chance of snow. Pastelok told Newsweek that these states have a 75 percent chance at having a white Christmas. Further west, Nebraska, South Dakota, Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah could see stormy weather, with snow chances possible. Alaska is expected to be snowy, with the panhandle anticipating storms. What People Are Saying The Old Farmer's Almanac in a report: "Snow is expected across many areas of the United States, including the Northeast, Upper Midwest, Lower Lakes, the eastern Ohio Valley, and Alaska—where scattered snow showers and flurries may make traveling a challenge statewide—leading to a chance for a white Christmas." The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in a webpage about winter travel: "Travel during the winter has unique risks, especially if you travel by car. Being prepared can help you “expect the unexpected” so your trip isn’t ruined by the common problems that travelers face in the winter." What Happens Next? Forecasts will be made with more confidence as Christmas draws nearer. In the meantime, people living in traditionally snowy areas should monitor the guidance of local weather officials and plan their travel accordingly.
