White Christmas in Tennessee Proves to be a Mirage

Remember the forecast of a white Christmas in Tennessee? Forecasters were saying we had the "best chance in years" to see a white Christmas in places which otherwise see a very minimal amount of snowfall each year...much less on Christmas Day. The keyword to note is we HAD the best chance in years, which is past tense. In other words, the forecast changed over the weekend and the chances of snow on Christmas Day has been significantly reduced. Talk about a huge disappointment for those who have been getting their hopes up high.

What has not changed is the promise of a strong storm system for Christmas Eve/Christmas Day. Many areas are going to see crippling snow, while others are going to experience flooding rains. While the snow means a winter wonderland for thousands of people in the Midwest, this upcoming storm system packs the ingredients for a living nightmare with travelers anticipating a road trip. My advice to all residents and travelers would be to monitor closely the reports from the National Weather Service and local television/radio broadcasts, and it might not be a bad idea to just pack up and leave a day early to beat the storm.

For those of us in Tennessee, the cold air is going to take its sweet time to arrive in our neck of the woods. The developing storm system looks to be a slow-mover. A southerly flow of gulf moisture ahead of the front-line is going to give us some rather mild temperatures for mid-December. Enjoy the sunshine and mid/upper-50s while it lasts. Rain starts to move in late-Tuesday, and into the day on Wednesday. A chance of thunderstorms exist on Wednesday, but nothing severe. The strong storms looks to stay west of Tennessee at this point.

Rain will turn heavy on Thursday as the front passes through, and then a very slow drying should take place as the weekend approaches. Some of the meteorologists in the state are suggesting a few snowflakes flying around on Friday as their could be some leftover moisture in the area. Unfortunately, the chance of any accumulation is slim to none.

The bottom line is this: For those of us in the South, Santa will be delivering our presents in a canoe. For those in the Midwest this Christmas week....I am not exaggerating when I say your best method of transportation just might actually be a one horse open sleigh!