It’s an annual question: Will we have a white Christmas this year?

With Christmas still nine days away, we are now within the timeframe to provide a confident response.

To the disappointment of many, the chance of a white Christmas in 2024 is doubtful.

On average, the odds are already low, only about 7% in Asheville, 2% in Hendersonville and 11% in Marshall.

Snow and ice lead to slippery roads and close mountain schools

At Mt Mitchell the chances are much better at 43%. But that still means that even at the highest elevations in our region, there’s a greater chance that there won’t be a white Christmas than there will be one.

This year we are more likely to experience a wet Christmas, with the possibility of rain on Christmas Day.

PHOTOS: Snowing in WNC, forcing many schools to close: Get the latest

The Climate Prediction Center’s temperature outlook shows our region and most of the country will experience well above average temperatures December 24-30.

Meteorologists define a white Christmas as an inch or more of snow on the ground on Christmas Day. This includes both residual snow and fresh snow that falls on the holiday.

If you really want to see some snow during the holiday season, a trip to the Rocky Mountains, New York State, New England, northern Minnesota or Wisconsin is your best bet.