Temperatures are forecast to run warmer than normal across much of the Central U.S. next week, thwarting annual visions of a snowy, white Christmas almost everywhere.
Temperature anomaly maps, which display the forecast temperature departure from seasonal norms, are showing temperatures running 10 to 20 degrees (or more!) warmer than average with scary red and maroon, perhaps even grey colors jumping off the map. While those colors may inflict visions of summertime, it's important to remember it's still the last week of December. You may need to adjust your expectations from summer warmth back to "warmer than most Decembers, too warm to snow in most areas, but still... December."
So what do those forecast temperature anomalies really mean in your area?
Here are the latest forecast highs for Christmas Day, Dec 25:
Lots of 30s and 40s across the Northern Plains, Midwest, and Great Lakes, with 50s, 60s, and 70s in the South. Definite lack of wintry vibes in most areas during the peak of the 2024 holiday season!