As the Christmas season arrives, many in the Czech Republic are hoping for a traditional White Christmas, but current forecasts suggest a widespread snowfall is unlikely this year. A shifting climate is making such picturesque scenes increasingly rare across Central Europe, and this holiday season appears to be continuing that trend. While some mountainous regions may see accumulating snow, especially in the south and southwest, most of the country can expect a dusting at best, accompanied by temperatures ranging from just below to slightly above freezing.
A dusting of snow is possible in parts of the Czech Republic this Christmas, though significant accumulations are unlikely.
For many, a snowy landscape and temperatures below freezing are essential elements of a perfect Christmas. As climate patterns shift, however, the prospect of a “White Christmas” is becoming increasingly rare in the Czech Republic and across much of Central Europe. This year appears to be no exception.
While a widespread, substantial snowfall isn’t expected across the country, some areas still have a chance. A map based on the Aladin model illustrates where and when snow and rain are forecast to fall in the Czech Republic:
A cold air mass is expected to move into Central Europe on Christmas Day, bringing with it the possibility of snow. However, outside of the mountains in northern and northeastern Czechia, and particularly in the Šumava and Novohradské hory mountains, only a light dusting is anticipated. The mountainous regions of southern and southwestern Bohemia have the best chance of seeing more significant snowfall – with five to ten centimeters potentially accumulating due to the windward effect of the northeast wind.
A few centimeters of snow could also fall in areas surrounding the mountains, including in České Budějovice. Most of the country, however, will see precipitation end by late afternoon and evening, with clouds breaking up, especially in the northern half of the country. Temperatures are forecast to range from minus two to plus two degrees Celsius, but a fresh northeast wind will make it feel considerably colder – potentially dropping to around minus ten degrees Celsius in the Moravian Gate region.
Overnight into December 26th, temperatures will fall below freezing across the country, with lows reaching as low as minus ten degrees Celsius in some areas, and around minus five degrees Celsius elsewhere. The following two holiday days are expected to be mostly sunny, with clear skies frequently appearing even outside of the mountains.
Despite the cold, temperatures will remain relatively mild. Thursday will see highs of minus four to plus one degree Celsius, and December 26th will range from minus two to plus three degrees Celsius. Temperatures will drop further in the mountains early in the holidays, but a temperature inversion will cause them to gradually warm up later on.
Snowfall Across Europe
Beyond the mountains, much of Central Europe will be without snow for the start of the Christmas season, as will the Baltic states and southern Sweden and Finland. Northern Europe, in particular, is forecast to experience unusually warm weather due to a high-pressure system centered over the North Sea.
Warm air from the Atlantic will flow around the northern edge of this system, bringing temperatures frequently between seven and twelve degrees Celsius, and occasionally even higher. For example, Helsinki is expected to reach a high of around six degrees Celsius on the first and second days of Christmas. Iceland and islands north of Scandinavia will also be warm, with temperatures above freezing expected on Spitsbergen for much of the holiday period.
Conversely, cold air from eastern to northeastern Europe will flow along the southern edge of the high-pressure system, bringing similar temperatures to central, western, and southwestern parts of the continent. A low-pressure system forming over the western Mediterranean will also bring cloudy, rainy weather to the region. The area between Marseille and Barcelona is expected to receive the heaviest rainfall – potentially exceeding 200 millimeters by the end of the holidays, raising the risk of flooding.
Significant snowfall is expected in the mountainous regions, including the southern Alps. The Balkans will also cool down during the holiday days, with 15 to 30 centimeters of snow expected in the mountains by Friday. However, temperatures will not be extremely low, with highs generally exceeding zero degrees Celsius, even in inland areas.
