National Weather Service Drops 2024 Christmas Weather Predictions

Earlier this year, we had a cold snap and a small snowfall here in Southern Indiana. I’m not usually a fan of cold weather, but I caught myself thinking—maybe with the wild weather patterns we’ve been seeing, this could be the year we get a white Christmas!

What's the December Weather Usually Like in Indiana and Kentucky?

Typically, it’s not quite cold enough in December for snow to stick around, so I did a little digging into the average temperatures for Indiana and Kentucky. According to currentresults.com, Indiana’s high temperatures range from 36–44°F, with lows between 22–30°F. Kentucky, being a bit warmer, sees highs of 44–51°F and lows of 24–33°F. Snow can fall when the atmospheric temperature is at or below 32°F, but in these parts, even if we get snow in December, it usually melts pretty quickly.

2022 Was an Exception

That said, we’ve had some exceptions—like in 2022, when an Arctic blast hit the tri-state late on December 23rd. Temperatures plummeted by over 30 degrees in just 18 hours, dropping from the mid-30s to below zero. Heavy snow accompanied this flash freeze, which caused a flurry of burst pipes and left many homes and businesses in a tough spot on Christmas Day. I recall that my husband was called out for multiple emergencies that day.

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Christmas Weather in Indiana & Kentucky in 2024

So, what’s in store for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in 2024? The forecast looks like temps will be above normal. Of course, “normal” depends on where you are in the region, but it’s unlikely to be cold enough for significant snow. Then again, if there’s one thing I’ve learned about tri-state weather, it’s to expect the unexpected. Just this past year, we were bracing for 99-degree temps during the fair and instead enjoyed beautiful low-80s weather. And during a cold snap with days barely reaching the 20s, the temperature jumped to 60°F on parade day, making it perfect for celebrating.

National Weather Service

Some forecasters are predicting temperatures in the 50s and 60s and lots of rain. Brandon F. from Ohio Valley Weather Watch said this in a Facebook post:

In the next 8-14 days for the period from December 24th to the 30th, above normal temperatures and above normal precipitation can be expected across much of the Ohio Valley region. If you are dreaming of a White Christmas, dream harder as it seems to be getting far more unlikely to have a White Christmas at this time. Good news is, we will see precipitation, but the bad news is that it will not have snow to go along with the precipitation closer at the end of the month. While we may expect temperatures to ramp back up into the 50s and potentially 60s as we go towards the end of the year. The potential for thunderstorms remain on the data at the end of the month, and can never rule out severe storms in the winter if we have those temperatures in the 50s and 60s. A warmer end to the month is becoming more likely, however we may see Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the 40s, while the rest of the month may see an increase in temperatures in the 50s and 60s. Stay tuned for updates.
- Forecaster Brandon F.

National Weather Service

The NWS in Indy posted this today:

We aren't trying to be a Grinch, but those looking for snow on Christmas Day will be disappointed with rain chances and temperatures in the 40s expected. In fact, we've only had 3 white Christmases over the last 15 years: 2010, 2017 and 2022.

So, if you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, don’t give up hope just yet. Around here, anything’s possible when it comes to the weather!

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