Rain, Snow Likely On Christmas Eve In Northeast Ohio

CLEVELAND — If you were hoping for a white Christmas in Northeast Ohio, there's a reason to hold onto that sliver of hope.

There is a chance of rain and snow on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, according to the most recent forecasts from the National Weather Service.

There is a 40-percent chance of precipitation on Friday and a 50-percent chance of precipitation on Friday night. With temperatures expected to fall below 40 degrees overnight, that rain could become snow.

The problem is, temperatures could climb into the 50s on Christmas Day, with more rainfall possible. That means snow is unlikely (unless the temperature drops) and any snow remaining from Christmas Eve could be washed away.

Though, if temperatures take a sudden dip, and the precipitation forecast holds, Christmas could be whiter in Greater Cleveland.

Based on the National Weather Service's historic data, the most common Christmas Day temperature in Greater Cleveland is between 30 and 39 degrees. A small amount of precipitation typically falls on the holiday, but it's rarely snow, the agency said.

Last year, there was significant snowfall on Christmas Day, the first time there was heavy snowfall on Dec. 25 in Northeast Ohio since 2009.

To see more historical data on Christmas weather in the region, visit the National Weather Service's website.