Chances For a White Christmas: What is the Probability?
Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? The “Historical Probability of a White Christmas” map compiled by the National Centers for Environmental Information shows the climatological probability of at least 1 inch of snow being on the ground on December 25th.
White Christmas Chances
So who in the state of Iowa has the highest chances of seeing a white Christmas? If you want the best odds of having a white Christmas, you would need to live in northern Iowa. Along and north of Highway 20 has a 61 to 75% chance of having a white Christmas based on climatology. Locations between Highway 30 and Highway 20 still have decent odds of having a white Christmas with a 51 to 60% probability.
Once you get along and south of Highway 30 in Iowa, the odds start to decrease. From Highway 30 to Highway 34, there is a 41 to 50% chance of having a white Christmas. Then from Highway 34 and points south to the Missouri border, there is only a 26 to 40% probability of a white Christmas.
While these percentages are based on historical data, current weather patterns can change the current year’s probability of a white Christmas. For the latest prediction of a white Christmas in your area, be sure to check out your local weather forecast on our Iowa Weather forecast page within seven days of Christmas.
Will Iowa Have a White Christmas this Year?
Dreaming of a white Christmas in Iowa this year might be more fantasy than reality. The projected weather pattern for late December suggests that Iowa is unlikely to experience the picturesque white Christmas. As of now, the probability of a white Christmas in the region is low, with the prevailing dry and warmer weather expected to persist.
Although weather patterns can be unpredictable and subject to change, the Climate Prediction Center indicates a high likelihood of well above-average temperatures in the week leading up to Monday, December 25, with very little in the way of precipitation.
Historical Snow Depths on Christmas
The last time all of Iowa had snow on Christmas was just last year in 2022. In addition to all of Iowa having snow last year, most of the northern states were covered in snow. The last time this much of the nation was covered in snow was 2017.
Snow depth on Christmas morning 2022
On Christmas morning 2021, 53% of the United States was covered in snow.
Snow depth on Christmas morning 2021
On Christmas morning 2021, 26.6% of the United States was covered in snow.
Snow depth on Christmas morning 2020
On Christmas morning 2020, 26.5% of the United States was covered in snow.
Snow depth on Christmas morning 2019
On Christmas morning 2019, 28.1% of the United States was covered in snow.
Snow depth on Christmas morning 2018
On Christmas morning 2018, 24.6% of the United States was covered in snow.
Snow depth on Christmas morning 2017
On Christmas morning 2017, 49% of the United States was covered in snow.
Weather App
If you are traveling this holiday season, be sure to download our free ISCN Weather app. Our app will notify you of any hazardous weather you may be driving into by sending you a push notification for your current location. You can also get the current weather conditions, as well as the hourly and 7-day weather forecasts. You can also check the latest weather radar and see how weather systems will progress with the future radar feature so you can plan out your travels to avoid any travel headaches.