The chances of having a white Christmas in Illinois are quickly dwindling.
State climatologist Jim Angel says based on historical data there's usually about a 50% chance that at least the northern third of Illinois will have snow on the ground at Christmas. But he says this year will likely be the exception.
Angel says most of Illinois is still waiting for the first snowfall of the season. The snow that has fallen in just a few spots hasn't stuck around for long. The National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky says there is about a 15% chance of a white Christmas this year in southern Illinois. But senior forecaster Greg Meffert says since the region has had two white Christmas' in the past 10 years, in 2004 and 2010, it's not likely to happen again this year.
