Old Farmer’s Almanac Forecast: Will Portland and the Pacific NW See a White Christmas?
Dreaming of a white Christmas? The Old Farmer’s Almanac weather predictions are out now! Discover if snow might arrive in Portland, Oregon on December 25. 🌐 #News #Oregon #Weather #Forecast
PORTLAND, OR – With the holidays fast approaching, everyone in Portland, Oregon and across the Pacific Northwest is wondering if Christmas morning might bring a dusting of snow. Experts are weighing in on the chances, while the rest of the country braces for whatever winter has in store. Will this region wake up to snowy streets—or a milder scene?
Christmas Forecast 2024: Will Snow Arrive This Year?
Across the United States, many are eager to know if their neighborhoods will be dressed in white on December 25. Recent predictions point to snow favoring certain central regions of the country. According to The 2025 Old Farmer’s Almanac, the overall winter looks milder than usual for a large share of the nation.
Historical Odds of a White Christmas
If you’re uncertain about your area, looking at past data can help. NOAA’s long-term weather records offer a sense of where December 25 often turns snowy and where it rarely does.
Northeast and Great Lakes
In places like northern Maine, Minnesota, North Dakota, Michigan, and Wisconsin, the odds of a white Christmas are strong. These spots get early-season snow and stay cold enough to keep it around. Minneapolis, for example, sees about an 80% chance most years. Northern Michigan and Minnesota often enjoy three out of four Christmases with snow. The White Mountains in northern New Hampshire land around 97%, and northern Vermont hovers between 75% and 95%. However, as you head south toward Boston, the odds drop to around 20%.
Western United States
In the West, mountain regions often have a good shot at snow. Missoula, Montana, stands at about 98%. Idaho City, near Boise, hits 94%. Salt Lake City is closer to 50-50 odds. Within Colorado, elevation matters a lot. East of Denver, odds hover around 40%, while just southwest of Boulder, they jump to 77%. Even Flagstaff, Arizona, sees about a 44% chance.
Lower Chances Elsewhere
Moving away from these snowy pockets, most other parts of the country expect low odds for a white Christmas. The Plains, Mid-Atlantic, the South, Texas-Oklahoma, and areas like Washington, D.C. (at only 6%), typically won’t see much white on December 25.
2025 Outlook by Region
According to The 2025 Old Farmer’s Almanac, most regions won’t get a white Christmas. Northern Maine might see snow, but other parts of New England likely won’t. The Atlantic Corridor, Appalachians, Southeast, Florida, Lower Great Lakes, and Upper Midwest all lean toward no snow. The Ohio Valley stands a chance, and the Heartland should see a white Christmas. High Plains regions north of I-70 may also get some snow, and the Rockies look promising. Northern Arizona will miss out, as will the Desert Southwest, Pacific Northwest, and Pacific Southwest. Alaska stands a good chance, while Hawaii does not.
How Portland and the Pacific Northwest Fit In
This year’s forecast suggests that it’s unlikely this region will see a white Christmas. While some areas of the country may catch a few flakes, the outlook here leans mild and dry. Portland and the Pacific Northwest fall into a zone with a milder holiday outlook. Unlike the higher elevations and cooler northern states, this coastal region isn’t set for snow. The pattern this year points to milder weather and a dry forecast for December 25.
Wrapping It Up
While some places in the central parts of the country could wake up to fresh snow, Portland and its neighbors in the Pacific Northwest will likely have a calmer, snow-free Christmas. Consider the overall forecast and historical odds as you plan holiday activities. Even if the snow stays away, there’s still plenty of holiday cheer to be found. Merry Christmas!
RELATED TOPICS: Weather | Christmas | Oregon | Washington
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