Santa Is Coming to Town! Here is the Forecast Across the U.S. for His Journey

news image
Top Stories
23 Dec 2021 3:50 PM
Wondering if the weather where you are will be "Naughty or Nice" for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? Look no further! We have everything you need to know right here on WeatherNation. Let's first dive into if you may have a White Christmas or not. What needs to happen for it to be considered a White Christmas? The definition states that if snow is not falling on Christmas Day, having an inch or more of snow on the ground Christmas Morning is what is needed to qualify for a "White Christmas"! The snow also does not have to be new. What are your odds of a White Christmas you may ask? Well of course the further north you live or the high in elevation you are, the better than chances are of a White Christmas! Sorry to say that warm weather climates have close to a zero percent chance of a White Christmas (Although if you are traveling to a warmer destination, you are probably not upset by this at all).

Early Travels

If you are traveling ahead of Christmas, here's a look at the forecast nationally. On Thursday, a cold front will track across the West bringing widespread rain and snow. High pressure will lead to a quiet and dry forecast for most of the East and Central U.S., meaning good travel conditions.

Christmas Eve Forecast

Here are the temperatures expected during the day on Christmas Eve for any last minute shopping you may have to do! Warm air will build into the Plains and Deep South, making it feel like anything but the holidays. A low-pressure system will be rolling across the northern tier of the country, bringing rain and snow to the Northern Plains and Midwest. Active weather is also likely across the Pacific Coast and into the Rockies. The rest of the country is expected to be dry and sunny! For Santa's arrival early Christmas Morning, these are the expected overnight temperatures. Mild air will situate itself from the Great Lakes into the Deep South, with the chilly air left behind it. The Northeast will also be feeling the holiday chill.

Christmas Day Forecast

Here are the forecast Christmas Day temperatures across the Lower 48! Warmer air will be in place from the Great Lakes and Northeast to the Deep South and Southwest. Several cities may set record highs in the Southern Plains. Elsewhere, the typical Christmas chill will be sticking around. Heavy snow and rain will continue into Christmas Day across the Pacific Coast and higher elevations of the Western United States. Snow and rain will also be likely from the Northern Plains to the Northeast courtesy of our next developing system. WeatherNation has you covered when it comes to the travel forecast leading up to the Holiday. Tune in at the top of each hour for more on that forecast!
All Weather News
More
Dangerously Cold Temps Spill Into the Lower 48 Late This Week

Dangerously Cold Temps Spill Into the Lower 48 Late This Week

During the winter months, many of us are no s

21 Jan 2026 6:55 PM
Rare Snow & Ice Threatens the South-Central and Eastern U.S. Fri-Sun

Rare Snow & Ice Threatens the South-Central and Eastern U.S. Fri-Sun

A rare winter storm is expected to impac

21 Jan 2026 6:30 PM
Lake-Effect Snow Causes 100+ Car Pileup in Michigan

Lake-Effect Snow Causes 100+ Car Pileup in Michigan

MICHIGAN - Just after 10:00 Monday morning (J

21 Jan 2026 5:00 PM
Rain and Snow Return to the Southwest

Rain and Snow Return to the Southwest

For much of this winter season the Southweste

21 Jan 2026 4:07 PM
Cold Stuns Iguanas as Another Cold Snap Reaches South Florida

Cold Stuns Iguanas as Another Cold Snap Reaches South Florida

Sub-freezing temperatures made their way into

20 Jan 2026 10:30 AM
Dangerous Cold follows Weekend Blizzard Conditions in the Northern Plains

Dangerous Cold follows Weekend Blizzard Conditions in the Northern Plains

MONDAY AM UPDATE: WEEKEND SNOW TOTALS: MERCER

19 Jan 2026 11:00 AM
Snow Totals from the Weekend Snow that Targeted I-95 From Virginia through New England

Snow Totals from the Weekend Snow that Targeted I-95 From Virginia through New England

MONDAY AM UPDATE: WInter Weather advisories a

19 Jan 2026 9:10 AM