Ohioans might not always expect a snowy Christmas, but it’s not unheard of. The most significant Christmas Day snowstorm in Ohio’s history occurred in Toledo in 1909, dumping 10.8 inches of snow.
Just nine years earlier, in 1900, Toledo experienced its largest snowfall ever, with 20.2 inches falling from February 28 to March 1. While other parts of Ohio have enjoyed snowy Christmases, the 1909 storm remains the record-holder for Christmas Day.
Chances of a White Christmas in Ohio
A White Christmas, defined as having at least one inch of snow on the ground, has about a 30 percent chance of happening in Ohio. Northern Ohio typically sees snow on Christmas two out of every five years. However, weather conditions can vary significantly across the state. For instance, Cleveland might get snow while Cincinnati enjoys clear skies.
Notable December Snowstorms in Ohio
Great Christmas Blizzard of 1983
In 1983, Northeast Ohio and Northwest Pennsylvania experienced the coldest Christmas on record. Temperatures dropped below zero, and snow accumulation ranged from 6 to 20 inches. The severe weather caused road closures and utility outages, with frigid conditions lasting from December 22 to December 26.
Christmas Snowstorm of 2004
The Christmas Snowstorm of 2004 hit just before the holiday, from December 22 to December 23, bringing nearly 30 inches of snow to counties north of the Ohio River. The Dayton International Airport saw over 16 inches of snow, breaking the previous record set by the Blizzard of 1978.
Snowiest Christmases in Cleveland
Cleveland’s snowiest Christmas occurred in 2002, with 10.2 inches of snowfall. The highest amount of snow on the ground for Christmas in Cleveland was 13 inches, recorded in both 1995 and 2004. Despite these snowy years, a White Christmas isn’t guaranteed in Cleveland. Since 2004, it has only happened four times: in 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2017.
Record Temperatures on Christmas
Cleveland’s coldest Christmas was in 1983, with a record low of 10 below zero and a high of just 1 degree. Akron hit a record low of 14 below zero that same day, and Mansfield saw its coldest Christmas in 2004 at 15 below zero.
Interestingly, the warmest Christmas in Cleveland was in 1982, when temperatures reached 66 degrees. Akron and Mansfield also set record highs that year at 64 and 62 degrees, respectively.
Ohio’s weather history highlights the state’s potential for extreme cold and significant snowfall during the holiday season, creating memorable White Christmases that residents cherish.