Boston’s White Christmas Chances Improve with Upcoming Storm

As Christmas approaches, Boston’s chances of experiencing a white Christmas are looking more promising due to an incoming winter storm. Predictions indicate that a quick-moving storm on December 19 will bring accumulating snow to the city, potentially setting the stage for a festive holiday backdrop.

A white Christmas is defined as having at least one inch of snow on the ground by 7 a.m. on December 25. This year, forecasts suggest Boston could receive one to two inches of snow from Tuesday into Wednesday morning. The critical question remains whether this snow will remain on the ground by Christmas, especially with warmer temperatures expected on Wednesday.

According to local meteorologist Ken Mahan, Boston has a 70 percent chance of enjoying a white Christmas this year. Last year, the city experienced a white Christmas, with a few inches of snow remaining from a storm just days prior. The record for the most snow on Christmas Day in Boston was set on December 25, 1995, with a snowpack of 11 inches. In more recent years, the city saw approximately 3 inches of snow on Christmas Day in 2017.

Temperatures will play a crucial role in determining if the snow will stick around. For Christmas Eve, forecasts predict highs in the mid- to upper 30s across Greater Boston. A breeze may help maintain colder conditions, potentially keeping the snow intact. Christmas morning is expected to be particularly chilly, with temperatures in the 20s in Boston and even lower in surrounding areas. However, afternoon highs may rise to nearly 40 degrees, possibly leading to some melting.

Regions outside Boston, including most of Northern New England and areas west of I-495, are likely to see enough snowfall on Tuesday to have their own white Christmas. As the holiday approaches, a pocket of high pressure is expected to settle over the region, leading to a mostly cloudy and dry Christmas day with a chance of light snow showers in northern areas.

Historically, Boston’s coldest Christmas occurred in 1872, when temperatures peaked at just 7 degrees Fahrenheit, alongside a record low of minus 8 degrees. The likelihood of snow on Christmas Day can fluctuate based on various factors, including temperature, storm trajectory, and atmospheric conditions.

Currently, Boston typically sees a 20 to 40 percent chance of a white Christmas. This year’s forecasted chances have notably increased, aligning with the anticipated storm. For those interested in staying updated on the weather, a daily forecast is available via subscription.

As the holiday season unfolds, many will be watching closely to see if the snowflakes will fall in time for Christmas morning.