Dreaming of a white Christmas in Indianapolis? Here's what the forecast says
Any Indianapolis residents dreaming of a white Christmas in 2023 should probably stay in bed.
"You never say never, but it's as pretty close to never as it can get," said meteorologist Mike Ryan with the National Weather Service in Indianapolis.
Warm air blowing in from the Pacific Ocean — and not the frigid Canadian breezes conducive to snowfall — are impacting the Indianapolis area and much of the country, Ryan said. This has already led to an unseasonably warm December, which is averaging more than 5 degrees above the usual temperatures for this time of year.
Temperatures are usually in the high-30s or low-40s by now, Ryan said, but Friday was up in the 50s. Although temperatures dropped with a few flurries on Monday, the chill is not expected to last.
Will it snow in Indianapolis on Christmas?
Precipitation is possible on Christmas weekend, but it will almost certainly be rainfall.
"Things could change, but all trends are supporting milder conditions," Ryan said.
Indianapolis has also seen a dryer December than normal. Over the past five to 10 years, the area has moved from a December through February snow schedule to more of a January through March timeline, Ryan said.
Winter forecasts: Woolly worms, leaves, persimmon seeds or satellite, radar, ocean temps
This year's forecast sits in stark contrast to last year, in which the average temperature was measured at just 10 degrees, according to NWS data. It did not snow on Christmas day in 2022, but it was cold enough to keep lingering snow from a previous storm on the ground.
It last snowed on Christmas day in 2020. About 58% of Christmas days since 1871 have had either new or lingering snow.
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Rory Appleton is the pop culture reporter at IndyStar. Contact him at 317-552-9044 and rappleton@indystar.com, or follow him on Twitter at @RoryEHAppleton.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis weather forecast: Will it snow for Christmas 2023?
