We are still more than two weeks away from Christmas and weather forecasts are still vague, but the chances of a white holiday season aren't high, according to Alex Edwards, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Bismarck.
Currently, a ridge of high pressure over the region has been pushing any inclement weather to the south. A storm system crossing southern South Dakota and Minnesota Thursday has prompted winter weather advisories for those areas.
"This area is looking at 5 to 10 degrees above normal," Edwards said. "Those conditions should last at least a week to 10 days."
Forecasts indicate a possible weather system somewhere in the region about Wednesday of next week.
"It could bring snow and rain," Edwards said. "Where is yet to be seen."
ADVERTISEMENT
The extended forecast through the end of the year for the most part shows above-normal temperature and only small chances of precipitation, Edwards said.
"It is not looking good for a white Christmas," he said, "but there is a possible pattern change closer to the end of the year."
The seasonal outlook for the months of January, February and March from the Climate Prediction Center have all of North Dakota listed as having equal chances of above or below normal precipitation and temperatures through the winter.
