Southern Plains, Lower Mississippi Valley, Midwest, and Southeast Face Unseasonably Humid and Potentially Record-Warm Christmas on Dec. 25
UNITED STATES — Weather data for December 25 shows that unusual humidity will impact large portions of the southern and central United States on Christmas Day, coinciding with what is forecast to be one of the warmest Christmas holidays on record in several regions.
According to forecast maps, the highest humidity levels will be concentrated across the Gulf Coast and South-Central states, while moderate humidity extends north into the Midwest and west into the Southwest, creating a holiday atmosphere more typical of spring than late December.
Gulf Coast and Deep South Face the Highest Humidity Levels
The most heavily impacted region according to the data is the Gulf Coast, where humidity levels are expected to be high to very high throughout Christmas Day.
Areas most affected include:
- Southern and coastal Texas
- Louisiana
- Southern Mississippi
- Southern Alabama
- Parts of the Florida Panhandle
In these areas, the combination of warm temperatures and moisture-rich air may make outdoor conditions feel unusually sticky for December.
“This is about as far from a traditional Christmas feel as it gets.”
South-Central States See Widespread Moderate to High Humidity
Humidity is forecast to spread well inland across the South-Central United States, impacting a broad multi-state region.
States included in this zone:
- Texas (central and eastern regions)
- Arkansas
- Oklahoma
- Louisiana (statewide)
While not as extreme as the Gulf Coast, humidity levels in these areas are expected to be noticeable, especially given the unseasonably warm temperatures forecast for Christmas Day.
Lower Midwest Experiences Unusual December Moisture
The data also shows humidity extending north into the Lower Midwest, a region that typically experiences dry winter air by late December.
Areas affected include:
- Missouri
- Southern Illinois
- Indiana
- Western Kentucky
- Tennessee
In these locations, humidity levels fall into the “some” to “moderate” category, but remain significant given the time of year.
“For many Midwestern communities, this level of moisture is highly unusual for Christmas.”
Southwest Sees Localized Humidity, Especially in Southern California
Parts of the Southwest, particularly Southern California, are also expected to see patches of moderate humidity.
This includes:
- Coastal and inland portions of Southern California
- Small areas of Arizona
While not widespread, these pockets stand out against typically dry winter conditions in the region.
Why These Regions Are Being Impacted
Meteorologists attribute the humidity spread to:
- Persistent southerly airflow pulling moisture from the Gulf of Mexico
- Above-average temperatures preventing cold, dry air from settling
- Lack of a strong Arctic air intrusion
Together, these factors allow humid air to push far north and west, impacting multiple regions simultaneously.
What Residents Can Expect on Christmas Day
For the most impacted areas:
- Outdoor activities may feel muggy
- Homes may feel warmer than expected
- Some residents, particularly along the Gulf Coast, may briefly use air conditioning
“Christmas dinner with humidity is not something most people plan for.”
Looking Ahead After the Holiday
Forecast trends suggest that mild and moisture-laden air may persist beyond Christmas, with no immediate return to widespread cold across the southern half of the country.
WaldronNews.com will continue monitoring post-holiday weather patterns and provide updates as new data becomes available.