By O’Dell Isaac

The National Weather Service definition of a white Christmas focuses on how much snow is on the ground on Dec. 25. According to the weather agency, if there is at least 1 inch of snow on the ground on Christmas and greater than 0.5 inches falling during the day, then it qualifies.

By that yardstick, white Christmases are actually fairly rare in Colorado Springs, Weather Service data shows. A typical Dec. 25 in the city is relatively mild, with a high temperature of 44 degrees. The last white Christmas, by Weather Service standards, was in 1987, when there was an inch on the ground on the morning of Dec. 25 and another inch of snowfall during the day. Before that, the last white Christmas was in 1976, with similar snow accumulation.

The city’s only “wet Christmas” on record — a day with non-snow precipitation — was in 2016, when Colorado Springs got nearly a quarter-inch of rain. 

Just after noon on Christmas Day 1994, the north end of the city got a ground-shaking surprise when a 4.0 earthquake hit. While tremors were reportedly felt northward to Castle Rock, no major damage was reported.

On Thursday, the chance of snowfall in Colorado Springs is practically nil, with partly sunny conditions and a high that could threaten the record Christmas high of 67, set in 1955 and 1971.

The lack of opportunities for sledding, snowmen and snowball fights might be a downer for some Colorado Springs residents, but the lack of a White Christmas comes with a few underrated perks:

Warmer temperatures: An afternoon walk through the neighborhood without having to bundle up. Also, shovels and snowblowers can remain in the garage.

Easier travel: No snowstorms or slick, icy roads — and fewer canceled flights — means it will be easier to visit or receive family and friends.

Outdoor celebrations: Grilling, picnics, and other outdoor celebrations are an option.

Lower costs: Less money spent on home heating, winter gear, snow tires, etc.