White Christmas 2016: Where Will It Snow On Dec. 25?

The Christmas Day weather forecast has become hot topic among people as they are looking forward to seeing snow covered areas because of the early arrival of the Polar Vortex. However, a White Christmas may not be likely this year.

Meteorologists define a White Christmas as having at least one inch of snow on the ground Christmas morning, and it does not have to be snowing on the holiday. Weather forecasts reportedly suggest that there will be an above-average warmth build across much of the nation by Christmas day.

“After a frigid couple of weeks across the eastern half of the U.S., a shift in the pattern is anticipated this week and into the upcoming holiday weekend,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Brett Rossio said, adding that parts of the central and northern Plains will reach their highest temperatures since early December by Wednesday.

However, it will still remain cold enough in much of the western mountains, northern Plains, Upper Midwest, Great Lakes and interior sections of the Northeast to retain snow cover through the weekend, making it a White Christmas for those areas, the Weather Channel said.

National Weather Service meteorologist Amy Seeley pointed at areas most likely to show bare ground on the morning of Dec. 25.

“Obviously, areas south of I-80 (who haven't had as much snow), have a better chance of not seeing a White Christmas. Snow depth in those areas are maybe around 3 inches, and I think those could be melted," she said.

Seeley also said that areas north of I-80, including downtown Chicago, have received heavier snowfall in the last few weeks, increases chances for these locations to keep snow on the ground during the forecasted warm up and until the holiday.

“The area really in question is north of I-80, and specifically north of I-88. Snow depths in those areas range anywhere from 3-9 inches. While temperatures will be slightly above normal, the real melting may be on Christmas Day, so it could start out white on that day," she said.

North Dakota, Wisconsin and the upper parts of Michigan and New York seem to have the best odds of seeing measurable snow on Christmas. However, neighborhoods that start with a White Christmas may not end with one due to warmer temperatures and forecasted rain.