Will there be snow over the holidays? The map shows the probability of a white Christmas

Christmas is just three weeks away and the snowy weather has already made its presence felt in parts of the country. But will the snow last until December 25th and ensure a white Christmas? And is there more on the way?

Although it’s too early to make a specific forecast, meteorologists say the ongoing wintry pattern bodes well for a snowy vacation for some people.

One expert even expressed optimism for major cities in the Northeast: “I know a lot of readers are wondering if they’re going to have a white Christmas,” meteorologist Judah Cohen of Atmospheric and Environmental Research said this week. “I can’t predict where it will snow in more than three weeks, but I am so optimistic that some cities in the northeastern United States will have a white Christmas like they haven’t had in a long time.”

Forecasters will have a better idea of ​​the likelihood of a white Christmas as the holiday approaches because accurate predictions can only be made about seven days in advance, the National Weather Service said.

What is a white Christmas?

The National Weather Service defines a white Christmas as one inch of snow on the ground on the morning of December 25th. It doesn’t have to snow on Christmas Day.

America’s fascination with white Christmas dates back to 1942, when Bing Crosby first sang the wistful song in the film Holiday Inn.

Written by Irving Berlin, the song’s lyrics convey a romanticized image of Christmases past, “just like the ones I used to know.” A second film – White Christmas, also starring Crosby – was released in 1954.

Contrary to Crosby’s wishes, only 25% to 30% of the 48 contiguous states typically experience snow on Christmas, according to AccuWeather.

According to NOAA, about 22.7% of the lower 48 states were covered in snow on Wednesday, December 4th.

Here you will experience a white Christmas

Looking for a surefire way to have a white Christmas? Head to Fairbanks, Alaska, where snow has fallen every Christmas since weather records began, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information.

Historically, much of northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, most of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and much of the western mountain areas have a 90% or greater chance of a white Christmas.

Based on historical averages, AccuWeather says Minneapolis is among the largest cities most likely to have a white Christmas; Green Bay, Wisconsin, Buffalo; and Burlington, Vermont.

In cities like Marquette, Michigan, and International Falls, Minnesota, there has been snow on the ground almost every Christmas since weather records began, according to NOAA.

The map shows the historical probability of a white Christmas

According to NOAA, “While the map shows the climatological probability of snow on the ground on December 25, actual conditions this year may differ greatly from these probabilities because existing weather patterns determine whether there is snow on the ground or whether it will snow .” Autumn on Christmas Day.

“These probabilities are only useful as a guide to show where snow on the ground is more likely,” NOAA said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dreaming of a white Christmas? The map shows where snow is most likely.