Are you dreaming of a white Christmas?

What You Need To Know

  • We need to have at least one inch of snow on the ground to consider it a white Christmas

  • Historically, the chances of a white Christmas in Kentucky are less than 10%

  • It has been at least 10 years since the last white Christmas

  • This year, chances for a white Christmas look low

The calendar just flipped over to December, which means Christmas is 24 days away! Many would love to wake up on Christmas morning to Christmas music play and snow falling outside.

But, what are the chances of a white Christmas in Kentucky?

First, there is a specific definition. There has to be at least one inch of snow on the ground by 7 a.m. to have a white Christmas. But I know many would be happy with seeing snow falling regardless of how much is on the ground!

Historically, what are the chances of a white Christmas in Kentucky?

Most of the central and southern part of the state has a less than 10% chance. Slightly higher chances are possible in northern Kentucky. Covington is closer to 18%.

Looking back at the records, here are the number of days each location had 1 inch or more of snow on the ground for Christmas (dating back to 1872).

  • Louisville: 14 days
  • Lexington: 18 days
  • Bowling Green: 9 days

As you can see, chances are not great. But, last year in 2020, we did have snow flurries flying! It wasn't enough to amount to a white Christmas, but it put a smile on many faces.

There have been years with several inches of snow on the ground. Check out the snowiest Christmas around Kentucky. Lexington was the winner with 6.5 inches back in 1935.

The Climate Prediction Center issued its outlook for December. This year, we are in the zone of both normal temperatures and precipitation, keeping our odds of a white Christmas to a 10% chance or less. I’m not ruling it out, but chances are very low.

Stay tuned!