White Christmas in NYC? Here's What to Expect

Will New York City experience a White Christmas this year? The chances are slim for Central Park, as it's been 15 years since the last one. However, there's still hope for some parts of the tri-state area thanks to a clipper system moving through on Christmas Eve.

The National Weather Service defines a White Christmas as having at least 1 inch of snow on the ground by 7 a.m. on Christmas Day. While some areas will see light snowfall, Central Park is unlikely to meet this criteria.

Snow Predictions

Expect 1-3 inches of snow in higher elevations like the Poconos and Catskills on Christmas Eve morning, with less than an inch in other areas. This snow will likely stick due to sub-freezing temperatures.

Travel Advisory

Roads will be slippery Tuesday morning. Major highways should be treated but smaller residential streets will be slushy and slick. Please drive slowly and cautiously.

Melting Snow

Temperatures will rise above freezing Tuesday afternoon, causing the snow to melt rapidly. Many areas will be snow-free by Tuesday afternoon.

White Christmas Outlook

Areas north and west of NYC, particularly Northwest New Jersey, the Poconos, and Catskills, have a higher chance of a White Christmas. The closer you are to the coast, the lower the chances become. NYC's chances are only 13%.