Christmas Week Outlook

With holiday lights reflecting off of last weekend's snow, the big day seems closer than ever. 

Historically, there is a fair chance of snow on the ground for Christmas Day. Aberdeen and the northeast have the best chance, which on average is higher than 60 percent. Pierre, the Badlands and Black Hills have a lower shot with snow four out of the last ten years.

This year looks a little different. Though sharply colder air will remain in place through next Sunday, another large system will come in from the west after Christmas. 

Even more than ten days out, the trends keeps showing brutally cold air arriving from far western Canada. This looks like a late winter pattern and the timing also comes close to matching the recurring storm cycle we talk about during wintertime.