It's probably more realistic to wish for a rainy Christmas rather than a white one this year.
The National Weather Service in Lincoln says the forecasted high for Christmas Day in Peoria this year is a balmy 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The normal high temperature is in the mid to upper 30s. There's an 80% chance of rain showers, too.
"Most if not all in Illinois, it seems this year will need to paint their grass to have a white Christmas," said Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford in his 2023 year-end climate summary.
Temperatures across central Illinois will be well above normal for Christmas this year. Normal high temperatures are in the mid to upper 30s, but highs will be in the mid 50s this year. Rain is likely (80% chance) on Christmas. #ILwx pic.twitter.com/PCYYuvABkH
— NWS Lincoln IL (@NWSLincolnIL) December 20, 2023
The NWS says unseasonably warm air will dominate in Central Illinois over the next several days. The Washington Post reports similar weather patterns will be felt across the Upper Midwest, due in large part to a strong El Nino and amplified by climate change.
The all-time recorded high temperature for Christmas Day in Peoria was 63 degrees in 2019. This year's Christmas isn't likely to break that record, but will almost certainly fall somewhere in the top 10.
Ford says 2023 as a whole will also likely be one of the top five warmest years on record for Peoria.
