Still Possible for Snow on Christmas Eve Day

The countdown is underway to Christmas and it's possible there may just enough snow heading into the holiday to give it that 'special' feel.

Models have been wobbling back and forth on a storm system expected to move through the Plains and Midwest late Saturday night and Sunday.  The reason for the change has a lot to do with the storm system developing off shores of the British Columbia coast.  But now, that system is beginning to move into the Pacific Northwest and there seems to be a little more consistency among our computer models for the potential for light snow early Sunday.  Latest model runs have pushed the storm system a bit further to the north, allowing the northern edge of snow band to move into northern Illinois during the first half of Sunday.  Even with that northward shift, it appears as if accumulations would be light as the higher snow totals would most likely fall to the south.  But if the northward shift continues, there could be a couple inches of snow on the ground by Sunday afternoon.

Keep in mind, though, that there is also the chance for the system to shift further to the south which would most likely leave us with only a few flurries during the day.  Either way, I do think there will be a little snow that does fall on Sunday.  It's just a matter of whether or not it'll be enough to shovel or just to brush off the front step. 

The atmosphere dries out quite a bit for Saturday, but becomes very saturated by Sunday morning.  The most favorable region in the atmosphere for snow development Sunday will be fairly deep from the surface to the mid level of the atmosphere.  And this is why even if the strongest part of the jet stream doesn't move nearby, I still think we may have a few flurries/light snow showers during the day.

It's a busy holiday weekend and it's best to keep tabs on the forecast.  There will most likely be many who will be finishing up last minute shopping or heading out to other events and church services. 


After Sunday, there does appear to be at least a couple more chances for snow before we head into the new year.