Columbia’s Christmas Forecast: Expect a Green Celebration

News Summary

This Christmas in Columbia is set to be a green one, with meteorologists predicting less than a 1% chance of snow and rainy weather. As residents prepare for the holidays, they’ll need to adjust their expectations for a white Christmas, as historic snowfall during this season has been rare. With gloomy skies expected and an average high of 57°F, locals are encouraged to embrace the warmth of the season with friends and family, even if it means celebrating without snow.

Columbia’s Christmas Forecast: A Mostly Green Celebration Awaits!

The festive season is right around the corner, and if you’re dreaming of a white Christmas in Columbia, you might just need to *adjust your expectations*. This year, chances are looking slim, with meteorologists suggesting there’s less than a 1% chance of snow. Instead, the Midlands are gearing up for a *green Christmas*, much to the delight (or disappointment) of locals.

What’s Happening This Christmas?

As the holiday approaches, meteorologist Steve LaVoie from the local National Weather Service has been keeping a close eye on the forecasts. Unfortunately, he indicates that snow lovers will be saddled with disappointment this year, as the likelihood of seeing any significant snow accumulating on the ground is considered “highly unlikely.” This Christmas, we can expect gloomy gray skies accompanied by rain starting Christmas night. So if you’ve got that beautiful Christmas sweater ready, it might just be a great day to wear it indoors.

A Look Back in History

Historically speaking, the Midlands have not seen much snow when it comes to the holidays. In fact, records from the National Weather Service date all the way back to 1887, and during that time, significant snowfall has been nearly absent. The last trace of snow recorded in the Midlands happened all the way back in 1924! Most notably, many folks remember the heavy coastal snowstorm of December 1989, which blanketed areas like Myrtle Beach with a whopping *14 inches* of snow. Charleston followed with *8 inches* and Beaufort accumulated *5 inches*. It was such a monumental event that the local snow removal services struggled to keep up with the demands of the storm.

Other Winter Weather Events

Over the years, Columbia and the surrounding regions have experienced some peculiar winter weather events on Christmas Day. In 1899, there was a mix of snow and sleet in western South Carolina, although it melted almost immediately. Fast forward to 1945, and an ice storm caused significant accumulation, recording *8.5 inches at Caesars Head* and *5.2 inches in Spartanburg*. Light snow made an appearance in 1947, and freezing rain graced the Upstate in 1975. More recent years have seen minimal snowfall in both 1998 and 2004, with just a few inches accumulating in 2010 and 2020.

What Can We Expect Temperature-Wise?

The average high temperature for Christmas Day in Columbia is typically around *57°F*, with lows dipping into the mid-30s. This might not exactly scream “winter wonderland,” and folks hoping for some cold air or moisture are likely to be disappointed. According to climatology, Columbia’s location in the southeastern U.S. explains its relatively mild winter weather compared to northern states. Snow requires a very specific cocktail of cold air and moisture, neither of which are usually present here during the holiday season.

Travel for Snow?

So what should you do if you’re yearning for a snowy holiday? Travelers looking for that classic white Christmas may want to consider heading to the Rocky Mountains or even northern states like North Dakota, Minnesota, or Wisconsin. These regions are far more likely to provide the picturesque snowy scene many crave during this festive time of year.

Wrapping Up the Forecast

While it might be *disheartening* for some to hear that the odds of a white Christmas are officially estimated at a mere 10% in Columbia, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday season in style. So put on that festive mood, grab a warm drink, and embrace the warmth of the season with friends and family, even if it means enjoying a *green Christmas* instead!