Can the Lowcountry expect a White Christmas?

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Some Lowcountry residents are dreaming of a White Christmas this year. But what are the chances?

Storm Team 2 says slim to none.

“In order to get a White Christmas, you want to think about the odds of that for everything to come together just right, on the right day – the odds for it are just incredibly low,” said meteorologist Josh Marthers.

Snowing in the Lowcountry is already an uncommon occurrence but on Christmas Day – it is very rare. However, not impossible.

The Lowcountry experienced a White Christmas in December 1989, the same year that Hurricane Hugo, a Category 4 storm, devastated Charleston and the surrounding areas.

In order for the Lowcountry to see another White Christmas the elements have to line up just right. And Josh Marthers breaks it all down to a science!

Marthers stated that for us to see snow, a weak storm would need to develop in the Southeast off the coast. Then, a strong dome of high pressure over New England would be required to push cold Arctic air down the eastern slope of the mountains, effectively locking it in place. Finally, adding moisture to this setup would result in snowfall.

He said the storm would need to be weak because a stronger storm would pull warm air from the Atlantic and turn everything into rain.

Will the Lowcountry see snow this Christmas? Probably not, Storm Team 2 says there’s just not enough cold air. Marthers said a storm could develop off the coast but would most likely bring rain.