Dreaming of a White Christmas in Colorado Springs? Bing Crosby wouldn’t bet on it.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - If you're dreaming of a "White Christmas" in southern Colorado, you might want to try heading to Vermont like the Haynes Sisters in the 1954 film, as we continue to track warm and dry conditions through Christmas Day.
At Acacia Park, City of Colorado Springs officials say they're having to work extra hard to keep the ice skating rink frozen, though it still remains open.
"While warmer temperatures can create some operational challenges for an outdoor ice rink, our team closely monitors conditions and adjusts as needed. The equipment at the Acacia Park Ice Rink has been performing as designed and has kept up with the recent warm weather. These conditions have not impacted our ability to keep the rink open, and we’re excited to welcome residents and visitors downtown to skate, enjoy the park, and have fun."
- Max D'Onofrio, a City of Colorado Springs Spokesperson
It was a gorgeous, sunny day on Tuesday as crowds gathered for last-minute shopping. But we had to ask... Without the snow, does it still feel like Christmas?
"There's no snow. But I do like the ornaments," said one little boy at the park who was out testing his new drone.
Other kids shared the same sentiments.
"I wish we had snow," chimed one. "Yesterday we literally went to the pool," said another.
But resident Bill Hall, who just got a new pacemaker, says he is overjoyed this year, even without the soft sprinkling of snowflakes.
"There is absolutely zero negativity in my life right now. I'll take this glorious Colorado Springs weather," he said. "Especially now with this new ticker of mine, I can get out and about like the walking and feel good."
So, how common is a truly "White Christmas" in Colorado Springs?
While there may be snowfall in the mountains, Colorado Springs hasn't seen a true "White Christmas" in nearly 40 years.
According to the National Weather Service, the last official "White Christmas" in Colorado Springs was back in 1987. There was an inch of snow on the ground Christmas morning, and another inch fell throughout the day. Before that, it was 1976.
For NWS standards, a "White Christmas" is defined as >0.5 inches of snow falling on Christmas day with at least 1 inch on the ground.
And while technically not a "White Christmas," Colorado Springs recorded 7 inches of snow on Christmas Eve in 1982.
Far rarer than a "White Christmas," Colorado Springs experienced a Christmas Day earthquake in 1994. Just after noon, a 4.0 earthquake rocked the region, shaking houses and buildings. Thankfully, there were no reports of major damage.
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