However you feel about snow, it’s undeniable that being treated to a white Christmas is pretty magical. And now that snow is on the weather forecast with the big day less than a week ahead, Boston may have a higher chance of a white Christmas. What’s the likelihood of the city getting a snowy holiday this year? We’ll have to refer to the experts!
Will it snow on Christmas day in Boston?
Accuweather has shared its latest prediction on whether or not Massachusetts has a chance of snow on the ground during Christmas the year and there’s a slither of hope. While more towns and cities across the U.S. could experience a white Christmas this year compared to 2023, the experts forecast a “low probability” of a white Christmas along the Interstate 95 corridor for Boston, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
“However, AccuWeather long-range experts are closely monitoring a potential disturbance that can move through Christmas morning with some rain or snow,” the forecast reads. “While there is the potential for snowflakes, surface temperatures may be too warm for any snow to accumulate.”
There’s a chance some snowfall could occur in parts of the northeast region of the country, as well as across the Rocky Mountains, some states in the Great Lakes and a northwestern state.
When was Boston’s last white Christmas?
The last time Boston saw a white Christmas was in 2009, when a storm brought 4 inches of snow. You may remember having a snowy Christmas in 2017, but nearly 3 inches of snow fell AFTER 7 a.m., which doesn’t count as a white Christmas per the National Weather Service’s definition. In their book, a Christmas is white if it has “1 inch or more of snow on the ground Christmas morning.”
Contrary to what many might believe, a snowy holiday is actually not all that common in the city. Since the year 2000, Boston has only experienced two white Christmases! With December temperature averages increasing over the past 20 years, it’s no wonder Boston’s chances of a white Christmas are dwindling.
What is the forecast for Christmas Day in Boston?
While the odds of an inch of snow dropping on Christmas morning in Boston are low, there is a chance of snow showers and light rain on Christmas Eve, according to the NWS. As for Christmas Day, there will be a possible flurries early in the day, but otherwise mostly sunny and pleasant with a high near 35!