Northern U.S. states and higher elevations have the best chances of a white Christmas, while southern and western areas are far less likely to see snow this year.

Ocean-effect snow showers that develop on a gusty wind Wednesday will bring the potential for a fresh coating there by Wednesday night. Temperatures will reach above freezing on Wednesday with partly cloudy skies in inland Massachusetts and gusty winds and some snow showers near the coast.

Now, the National Weather Service (NWS) Climate Prediction Center expects a high chance of above-average temperatures for much of the U.S. over Christmas, with the highest possibilities expected in the Plains states, the South, and into the Midwest. Most of these states also are expecting below-average precipitation during the same time frame.

Right now, it appears as though this will be a daytime event on Tuesday. Snow is favored in central and northern New England, while a wintry mix is likely as you head farther south. Considering our snow cover will be washed away after Friday's rain, Tuesday's storm will be our last chance to whiten the ground before Christmas.

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While snow starts late Christmas Eve, the worst conditions should arrive on Wednesday night and continue through Christmas Day, with heavy snow and dangerous travel, especially above 6,500 feet.

Mild morning temperatures are in place despite mostly calm winds, except for occasionally breezy conditions in the East Highlands with some localized dense fog in far-Southeast New Mexico. Areas to the north are starting off mostly near the mid-to-upper teens to the low 40s,

Periods of snow, rain and wind are predicted for Massachusetts through Christmas morning, according to forecasters.

On Dec. 27, a chance of snow is expected before 4 p.m., followed by a small chance of rain with a high of near 38 degrees. Little or no snow is expected to stick. At night, the forecast is mainly cloudy with a high around 26 degrees.

Northern California commuters are waking up to wet and windy conditions on Wednesday as a weather system is bringing rain, wind and snow to the region.