Pittsburgh White Christmas Odds: Forecasters Weigh In Early

PITTSBURGH, PA — If you're among the many Western Pennsylvania people dreaming of a white Christmas this year, you'll probably be interested in the initial AccuWeather and Farmers' Almanac prognostications for that prospect in the Pittsburgh area.

But you might not like what they are forecasting at this early juncture with Christmas still nearly three weeks away.

AccuWeather, the State College-based meteorological service, has released its nationwide predictions for a white Christmas. In weather forecaster terms, a white Christmas means having an inch or more of snow on the ground on Dec. 25.

For Western Pennsylvania, AccuWeather believes there is a lower than average chance of a white Christmas this year.

Even though favorable conditions will develop to allow snow and cold temperatures in the Northeast until around Dec. 15, the later part of the month will feature moderating
temperatures and lower chances for a snowstorm. According to AccuWeather senior meteorologist Paul Pastelok, as the holiday nears the forecast weather pattern will support more rain and perhaps ice compared to snow.

Farmers' Almanac is more succinct in its prediction. For New England and the Northeast, including Pennsylvania, the website says this: "Sorry snow lovers – your Christmas weather looks more wet than white. Showers in time for Christmas, then turning fair, colder."

Don't despair over these predictions, though, white Christmas lovers. The forecast will be update multiple times as the holiday approaches and could be revised significantly before Santa's sleigh arrives on your rooftop.

The fascination with a white Christmas was likely popularized by the writings of Charles Dickens. The depiction of a snow-covered Christmas season in his 1843 classic “A Christmas Carol,” and a number of his other short stories, was reportedly influenced by memories of his childhood.

The song “White Christmas,” written by Irving Berlin and sung by Bing Crosby, is among the best-selling singles of all time. The tune nostalgically speaks of a white Christmas and has since become embedded in American holiday traditions.