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When was Atlanta's last white Christmas?

Published in Atlanta Weather History 2 mins read

Atlanta's last white Christmas occurred in 2010, when the metropolitan area experienced measurable snowfall on Christmas Day.

When Atlanta Last Saw a White Christmas

For many in Atlanta, a true white Christmas is a rare and memorable event. The most recent instance was on December 25, 2010, when a snowstorm brought measurable snowfall to the Atlanta Metro area. This event created challenging conditions, including icy roads and strong winds, impacting holiday travel and celebrations across the region.

What made the 2010 white Christmas particularly noteworthy was its rarity. It marked the first measurable Christmas Day snowfall in Atlanta since 1881, highlighting just how uncommon such an occurrence is for the city.

The Rarity of Snow in Atlanta on Christmas

While winter weather does occur in Georgia, temperatures typically tend to rise around Christmas Day, making significant snowfall on the holiday itself an infrequent phenomenon. This trend contributes to the long gaps between Atlanta's white Christmases.

Key characteristics of Atlanta's white Christmases:

  • Measurable Snowfall: A "white Christmas" in Atlanta typically refers to instances where measurable snow accumulates on December 25th.
  • Infrequent Occurrence: Such events are exceptionally rare, with over a century passing between the 1881 and 2010 snowfalls.
  • Impactful Conditions: When snow does fall on Christmas, it can lead to hazardous conditions like icy roads and strong winds, affecting transportation and daily life.

To illustrate the infrequent nature of these events, consider the timeline:

Year Occurrence Details
2010 Last Measurable Snowfall First Christmas Day snow since 1881; hazardous conditions reported.
1881 Previous Measurable Snowfall The last recorded Christmas Day snow before the 2010 event.

For more information on Atlanta's historical weather patterns, you can often find details on local news and weather sites like FOX 5 Atlanta.