A white Christmas may not be in the cards this year for the county.
Keeping up with a trend that started last year, Christmas in Carter County is expected to have more of a fall feel, according to the National Weather Service – Morristown.
“This year, it doesn’t look like there’s much chance of snow,” Meteorologist David Hotz said. “We’re looking at a slight chance of rain Christmas day with highs around 50 to 60 degrees.”
Hotz added that in December last year, residents experienced an even warmer Christmas with highs around 65 degrees in the Tri-Cities.
Snow has reared its head the past couple of weeks, with a recent dusting this week. Carter County Schools also experienced an early dismissal recently with precipitation in Roan Mountain.
While there may be an absence of snow, rain has been a much needed ally for the entire state.
Following a record-setting fire season that saw thousands of acres destroyed, the drought-like conditions across the state were able to be slightly combated with recent rainfall, especially in the Tri-Cities. The change in the weather also saw the state lift a regional ban on burning last week.
“When it comes to drought conditions, it is best to classify as short and long term,” Hotz said. “As far as the short term goes, the rain has been good to moisture the ground. Long term, for wells and streamlines, it’s still a process. We’re hoping that rains will help address that problems in the coming weeks into weather”
The hope is looking positive with Hotz adding the next two weeks should see significant rainfall within the Tri-Cities for the next two weeks.