Chattanooga’s Historical White Christmases and Winter Outlook

News Summary

As the festive season approaches, we take a look back at Chattanooga’s memorable snowy Christmases, including its record snowfall of 5.1 inches in 1969. With winter 2024-2025 approaching, meteorologists predict slightly warmer temperatures amidst local holiday festivities that promise to keep the spirit alive regardless of snow. Discover what to expect this winter and the excitement of celebrating in Chattanooga’s winter wonderland!

Chattanooga’s Christmas Snow: A Look Back and a Look Ahead

Ah, Chattanooga! Known for its breathtaking scenery and Southern charm, but did you know it’s also home to some memorable snowy Christmases? As we approach the festive season, let’s warm up our hearts by looking back at Chattanooga’s historical White Christmases and what weather patterns we might expect for winter 2024-2025.

A Historical Perspective on Snowy Christmases

The magic of Christmas snow is something many hold dear. In Chattanooga’s case, the record for the most snowfall on Christmas sits at a whopping 5.1 inches, a milestone that occurred way back on December 25, 1969. This record was verified by the National Weather Service, solidifying it as the ultimate snowy benchmark for the city.

Since records began, Chattanooga has enjoyed measurable snowfall on Christmas just six times. The most recent dusting of snow fell in 2010, providing residents with a cozy 2.5 inches of winter wonder. Historical snowfall records on Christmas Day also feature:

1.2 inches in 1909
0.3 inches in 1989
0.1 inches in both 1913 and 1899
Snow was reported in 1956, but unfortunately, it didn’t accumulate.

It looks like snow on Christmas has always been a bit of a rarity in the Scenic City, but those few instances surely made for unforgettable holiday memories!

What’s the Winter Weather Outlook for 2024-2025?

As we cozy up and prepare for the chilly months ahead, it’s essential to know what the winter of 2024-2025 might hold for us. Typically, December is the coldest month in Chattanooga, where the average temperature ranges from 36.3° to 50.2°. The city usually sees about 0.59 inches of snowfall throughout the month while experiencing approximately 13.7 days of rain.

January is notorious for its frigid temperatures, which can dip as low as 30.7°. But as March rolls in, February generally shakes things up with an average of 1.85 inches of snow.

This upcoming winter season, weather experts predict that Chattanooga may witness slightly warmer-than-average temperatures. Thanks to expected La Niña conditions, there’s a 40-50% chance that we could see those temperatures above the average. On the flip side, rainfall amounts remain a bit of a question mark, as Chattanooga faces an equal chance of experiencing either higher or lower precipitation levels this season.

Festivities in Chattanooga’s Winter Wonderland

Even if the snow doesn’t fall, there’s no shortage of holiday spirit in Chattanooga! The city is hosting a variety of festive events this Christmas season. Residents and visitors can enjoy:

Ice skating at First Tennessee Pavilion, starting November 24
The magical NoogaLights drive-thru lighting experience in Soddy Daisy, kicking off November 22
Holidays Under the Peaks exhibit at the Tennessee Aquarium, opening November 29
Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights starting November 15
Striking performances of The Nutcracker ballet from December 8-10
Countless Christmas events bustling across local venues throughout December

Whether we get a snowy Christmas or not, Chattanooga is packed with holiday cheer. So grab your warmest scarf, sip on some hot cocoa, and prepare to soak up the festive vibes this chilly season!