TOPEKA (KSNT) - Christmas may be on the way but how many people can expect to see snow on the ground for the holiday in Kansas?
27 News consulted historical data on snowfall numbers for the Sunflower State kept by the National Weather Service (NWS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and predictions from the Farmer's Almanac to see how often parts of Kansas have received a 'White Christmas' on Dec. 25 over the past decade. A White Christmas occurs when there is at least one inch of snow on the ground at 7 a.m. local time on Dec. 25.
The NOAA released a map in 2022 showing the historical probability different parts of the country have for experiencing a White Christmas. The map uses information gathered between 1991 and 2020 by the NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). Dark gray on the map indicates places that have less than a 10% chance of having a White Christmas while white means there is a 90% chance or higher of snow on Dec. 25.
People interested in getting more in-depth statistics on what their chances are of getting a White Christmas can check out another interactive map released in 2022 by the NOAA. The map also uses NCEI records to show the percentage probability that different parts of Kansas will have at least an inch of snow on the ground on Dec. 25.
The NWS keeps its own records that you can consult online for snowfall amounts going back decades. These are divided between its different locations across Kansas and include reports from different cities for the snow depth and new snow.
NWS data for the Topeka area shows the Capital City has experienced a White Christmas only once in the past decade. The year 2022 was the last time enough snow was on the ground in Topeka for it to be a White Christmas.
The Farmer's Almanac has its own predictions for the weather on the day when Santa Claus and his team of reindeer are due to arrive. The forecasting website recently issued its brief thoughts on the odds for a White Christmas across different parts of the country in 2024.
The Farmer's Almanac places Kansas in 'Zone 4 - North Central' on its website. This area will be "Generally fair, dry, very cold," according to the almanac. Only 'Zone 1 - Northeast & New England' is predicted to receive a White Christmas this year.
Kansans dismayed by the predictions of the Farmer's Almanac can check out the separate Old Farmer's Almanac which has its own ideas for what will happen on Dec. 25. The Old Farmer's Almanac predicts 'High Plains' area might see a White Christmas while the 'Heartland' area will get snow on Christmas Day.
For more local weather news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.
Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf
