Fire Weather Concerns and Severe Weather

Dry and breezy conditions will bring elevated to critical fire weather conditions across portions of the northern and central High Plains through this weekend, where fuels remain largely receptive. Severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are possible from the Plains into the Upper Midwest, as well as in the Ohio Valley and portions of the Mid-Atlantic through this weekend. Read More >

While climatology generally says the local area can expect a "white" Christmas (an inch of snow on the ground or falling that day) about 60-80% of the time, Mother Nature may not always cooperate.

The late November snows left several of inches of snow cover across much of the area. With the first half of December being unseasonably cold (not warming above freezing for much of the area), along with periodic light snow falls, a blanket of snow for Christmas morning looked assured.

However, a recent change in the weather pattern has brought much milder, above freezing temperatures to the region. Considerable melting of the snow pack has occurred.

More warmth is on the way as we inch toward the holiday. High temperatures above freezing are forecast most days, potentially topping 40 degrees for a few locations Wednesday and Christmas day. More melting will occur.

Aside from a weather system Monday bringing minor accumulations mostly north of I-94, the chance for additional snow accumulations is very low.

As it looks now, the likelihood for a "white" Christmas is quickly diminishing. Those north of I-94 harbor the higher chances to keep at least an inch around through Christmas morning. South of there? Keep your fingers crossed, but it's trending toward a "green" Christmas.