Texas, Oklahoma, and the Southern U.S. Brace for a Warm and Dry Christmas Week as Snow Chances Stay North

DALLAS, TX — A toasty Christmas week is in the forecast for much of the Southern and Central United States, as temperatures rise well above average and snow chances remain minimal outside the far northern states. According to new outlook maps, December 21–25 will bring warm, dry, and quiet conditions across Texas, Oklahoma, the lower Plains, and most of the Southeast.

Meteorologists say the upcoming weather pattern favors stable high pressure over the southern half of the country, keeping storm systems and Arctic air well to the north. “If you’re south of I-80, expect it to be mild, warm, and dry leading up to Christmas Day,” forecasters said.

Warm Temperatures Expected Across the South and Central Plains

Forecast models show that by mid-December, the strong ridge of high pressure will stretch from California through Texas and into Georgia, bringing daytime highs ranging from the mid-60s to upper 70s.

• Texas and Oklahoma: Highs near 70–80°F, with clear skies and mild nights in cities like Dallas, Houston, and Oklahoma City.
• Deep South and Southeast: States like Alabama, Georgia, and Florida will also stay unseasonably warm, with highs in the mid-70s.
• Western U.S.: Slightly wetter conditions are possible for parts of California and Oregon, though temperatures will still trend above normal.

Meanwhile, the central Plains and Midwest—including areas around Kansas City, St. Louis, and Nashville—will remain dry with only faint signals of light precipitation late in the week.

Snow Chances Remain Limited to the Far North

While many across the country may dream of a white Christmas, the reality is different this year. The “Best Chance for Snow” corridor on the latest forecast map sits firmly across the northern Rockies, the Upper Midwest, and the Great Lakes region.
Areas like Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Michigan could see light to moderate snowfall as the northern jet stream carries colder air into Canada’s border region.

Just south of that line, a “non-zero” snow chance stretches through Nebraska and Iowa, but forecasters emphasize that any accumulation would be minimal.

“The snowpack across the northern states is already substantial, but it’s unlikely to extend south enough to affect most of the country,” meteorologist Chris Jones explained. “The southern half of the U.S. will be dominated by mild air throughout Christmas week.”

Best Weather for Holiday Travel

The mild pattern may come as good news for travelers. With little to no major winter storm activity expected across most of the nation, holiday travel conditions should remain favorable. Major highways across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee are expected to stay dry, with minimal flight disruptions anticipated at key airports in Dallas, Atlanta, and Houston.

However, forecasters caution that strong temperature contrasts between the warm South and the lingering cold in the North could bring brief wind gusts or spotty showers near the central Plains late in the week.

Looking Ahead

While the warm spell will dominate through December 25, early January could bring cooler air and wetter systems back into the central and eastern states. For now, however, residents across the southern U.S. can expect sunny skies, mild afternoons, and a snow-free Christmas.

Stay up to date with the latest regional weather forecasts at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.