(NEXSTAR) – Dreaming of a white Christmas? The forecast for next week is probably about to crush those dreams.
Most of the country is favored to see above-average temperatures the week of Christmas, according to the Climate Prediction Center’s outlook for next week. Even famously frigid spots, like Bismarck, North Dakota, are looking like they’ll be above freezing on Christmas Day.
States west of the Mississippi River have the highest probability of seeing above-average temperatures next week. The northern Plains states have a 90%-100% chance of warmer-than-normal Christmas week weather.
That doesn’t mean these places will actually be warm – just warmer than you’d usually expect this time of year.
The opposite is true along the East Coast, where states are slightly favored to see below-normal temperatures.
“There are a few areas of the country that will have the chance to see some snow, but with many areas of the U.S. above freezing, there won’t be a whole lot of snow occurring on Christmas Day,” said Nexstar meteorologist Brian James. “The Pacific Northwest and parts of the Mid-Atlantic will have a shot at some snow. Everyone else will end up with a snowless Christmas.”
While it may be warm next week, it probably won’t be dry. Many states are favored to see above-average precipitation. The Pacific Northwest has the best chance, according to the Climate Prediction Center.
At higher elevations, that could turn out to be snow, but many communities are more likely to see rain.
This forecast may sound like good news for upper Midwest residents currently under winter storm warnings. A fast-moving winter storm brought snow, ice, strong winds and bitter cold to much of the region on Thursday, snarling traffic in the Twin Cities and forcing North Dakota officials to shut down an interstate highway.
Up to 7 inches of snow were possible in Wisconsin and Minnesota, but North Dakota was getting the worst of it with high winds, snow and freezing rain.
Whether the snow will still be on the ground long enough for a whitish Christmas is uncertain, as temperatures look like they will rise above freezing early next week.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
