Warm, rainy Christmas before sharp cold returns next week
Unseasonably mild holiday weather gives way to rain, then a dramatic temperature drop heading into Monday
A Warm and Wet Start to Christmas Day
Merry Christmas everyone! Christmas Day is getting off to an unusually mild start across the region, with many communities waking up to temperatures in the low 60s. That warmth is coming with plenty of clouds, and for some, a few light rain showers are already falling. If you’re not seeing rain early this morning, you’re still dealing with thick cloud cover — and that gloomy look is expected to stick around for the next couple of days.
Despite the clouds and occasional showers, temperatures will stay well above normal for late December. Highs this afternoon will climb into the mid 60s, making it feel more like early fall than Christmas.
Scattered Showers Continue Through Tonight
Rain chances will remain scattered throughout the rest of Christmas Day. This won’t be a washout by any means, but periods of light rain or drizzle will pop up from time to time. With clouds holding strong tonight, temperatures won’t fall much, only dropping into the mid 50s.
As we head into the overnight hours, patchy fog may develop in spots, especially where rain has fallen and winds stay light. If you’re traveling late tonight or early Friday morning, keep an eye out for reduced visibility.
Friday Brings More Clouds, More Warmth
Friday’s forecast looks very similar to Christmas Day. Clouds will remain locked in, and scattered showers will continue at times, especially during the morning and midday hours. Temperatures will once again surge well above average, with highs reaching the mid to upper 60s across much of the area.
A light breeze will develop during the day, helping keep temperatures elevated. While rain chances may become more limited by late Friday, skies are not expected to clear just yet.
A Brief Break Before Big Changes This Weekend
Saturday is shaping up to be a quieter day weather-wise. Rain chances taper off, but clouds will likely hang around. Even so, temperatures will stay impressively warm, climbing back into the upper 60s.
That calm stretch won’t last long. By Sunday, our next and much stronger system moves in. Showers and possibly a few storms are expected Sunday into Sunday night as a powerful cold front sweeps through. Behind it, temperatures will take a dramatic tumble.
Cold Air Comes Roaring Back Early Next Week
As that cold front moves through Sunday night, temperatures will drop quickly. By Monday morning, readings will be down into the 20s, and lingering moisture could even lead to a few snow flurries. Highs on Monday will struggle to climb out of the low 30s, and colder air will stick around through the end of the year, keeping temperatures mostly in the 30s.
ABC 36 Weather Team 36-Hour Forecast
Thursday: Mostly cloudy and mild with scattered light rain showers. Highs in the mid 60s.
Thursday Night: Cloudy with occasional showers and patchy fog possible. Lows in the mid 50s.
Friday: Mostly cloudy, breezy at times, and still very warm for December. A few spotty showers possible. Highs in the mid to upper 60s.
