White Christmas in Vernon?

Snow or No Snow for Christmas, That's the Question On Everyone's Lips

December temperatures in Vernon have been running a bit warmer than average, and that’s putting the classic white Christmas firmly in the “maybe” category this year.

White Christmas in Vernon?

Normally, Vernon sees December daytime highs around −2 °C and overnight lows near −8 °C. This month, however, forecasts show many days climbing above freezing, with highs near +3 °C and overnight lows closer to −3 or −4 °C.

So will there be snow on the ground Christmas morning in Vernon or Coldstream?

The short answer, it depends where you live, and how high up you are.

Snow is a safe bet at higher elevations around the North Okanagan, but down in the valley, it’s more of a coin toss.

Forecasts show off-and-on chances of flurries right through Christmas Day, including Sunday, Christmas Eve, and Christmas itself.

The forecast calls for:

• Daytime highs of +1 to +3 °C early in the week

• Cooling by mid-week, with a high near −2 °C on Christmas Day

• 30 to 40 percent chances of flurries on both December 24 and 25

There is even the chance of a light dusting — up to about 2 centimetres — overnight Sunday, but temperatures hovering near freezing mean any snow that does fall may not stick around for long.

Bottom line: Vernon could wake up to snowflakes in the air on Christmas morning, but whether there’s snow on the lawn or just on the hills above town only Santa knows for sure.