Dreaming of a white Christmas? Dream on
Forecast shows little chance for holiday snow
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, it appears you’ll be out of luck this year. While there is a chance for rain and wet snow, there is little possibility any of it will stick to the ground.
The National Weather Service currently says there is a 20% chance of precipitation, which may include snow, early in the morning Christmas Eve in Worcester. Mostly cloudy conditions are expected the rest of the day, with a high of 43 degrees.
Christmas day, mostly sunny conditions are expected with a high of 47. Last year, the city opened presents in freezing temperatures with a high of just 24 and a low of 9 degrees. In 2020, Worcester reached a whopping 61 degrees, a far cry from the Christmas-day average for the city which stands at 35.1 degrees. That set a record for warmest Christmas in Worcester, according to the National Weather Service.
Through Sunday, Worcester has had 44.9 inches of snow in 2023, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Last year, Worcester stayed dry for Santa’s arrival. The year before, we saw freezing rain with light snow falling Christmas Eve.
A wet year for Worcester
Leading up to the winter solstice Thursday – the shortest day of the year – Worcester saw an incredibly wet summer, followed by a lackluster fall. The damp summer pushed back the timeline for autumnal foliage by several weeks. It’s all thanks to El Niño, which typically ushers in more precipitation and often means a white Christmas. However this year’s warmth may turn any potential snow to rain.
In September, the city experienced its second 90-degree day of the year; the first was recorded in April. That heat stuck around into the fall with high temperatures reaching 82 degrees in October and 64 degrees in November.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts a possible white Christmas
The Old Farmer’s Almanac released its predictions in November, saying areas “in the mountains, but not in the foothills and along (Interstate 95)” could see a white Christmas. The forecast also said areas that typically receive snow are likely to experience colder-than-normal temperatures.
“Expect just the right amount of chill in the air for an afternoon of adventurous snow sports or enjoying a big ol’ mug of hot cocoa by a crackling fire,” the forecast stated.
As for Boston? The chances are even slimmer.
“In central and southern New England, there’s a 50-50% shot in a random year; Boston’s odds are only 20%,” the forecast said.
When did we get the most snow? Back in 1996 the city saw a record 133.1 inches of the white stuff throughout the year.
What’s in store for 2024?
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, “El Niño remains the major climate driver,” and is expected to impact much of January around the globe.
“Given the ongoing El Niño with enhanced Pacific flow over North America, overall mild temperatures are likely to continue from December 2023 into January 2024,” the forecast said.
“El Niño remains the major climate driver ... Given the ongoing El Niño with enhanced Pacific flow over North America, overall mild temperatures are likely to continue from December 2023 into January 2024.” National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center