It's two days before Christmas. I know some people across the United States are dreaming of a White Christmas. However, the weather forecast suggests a "Warm Christmas" is more likely. Here is a succinct look at what to expect across the United States, and why you may need to adjust the lyrics of Bing Crosby's iconic song this year.

As I write this article on December 23rd, my meteorological curiosity took me to the current temperature anomaly map. Warmer than normal temperatures already dominate more than half of the U.S. There is lingering cold air in the eastern U.S., but it is expected to move out in the coming days. Additionally, I see no signs of Arctic air poised to "ooze" down into the U.S. this week. However, things will change as we get into 2025, but I will explain that later.

Unfortunately places like New York City that received a covering of snow this weekend are not guaranteed a White Christmas. The National Weather Service temperature outlook calls for warmer than normal temperatures across the majority of the United States by Christmas Day after a chilly start to the week in the East. The NWS Weather Prediction Center wrote, "The remainder of the country should enjoy generally above average temperatures by late December standards, particularly across the central and southern Plains where daytime highs could be 15-20 degrees above average."

In places like Texas this means highs approaching the upper sixties and seventies. For New York City, the light covering of snowfall received over the weekend is likely going to melt as temperatures climb into the upper thirties or forties.

These temperature forecasts are ideal for kids who want to ride new bikes, scooters, or hover boards. Sadly, I think those activities were more common in our childhoods based on my anecdotal observations of activities in my neighborhood in recent years, but I digress. The forecast is not ideal for outdoor activities in some parts of the country on Christmas Day. There is a chance of rain in the Great Plains, South, Pacific Northwest and Midwest. The Mountain West region could also experience a mixed bag of precipitation.

Warmer than normal temperatures are expected to linger into New Year's Day. Keep in mind that it is still winter so "warmer than normal" is relative. I shared a meme recently reminding people that axial tilt of the Earth is the "reason for the seasons." The Northern Hemisphere is tilting away from the Sun, which is why temperatures tend to be colder in the winter. Even as climate warms, guess what? We will still have winter, cold days, and snowstorms.

As we get into the first couple of weeks of 2025, colder than normal temperatures are expected to return for much of the country. In fact, it is likely to be some of the coldest air of the year so far. If you like cold weather and snow, the start of the new year may be good for your holiday wishes.