White Christmas is a guarantee for many across northern Ohio this year

CLEVELAND - "I'm dreaming of a White Christmas. Just like the ones I used to know."

The Bing Crosby song says it all. To many, the perfect Christmas Day includes snow on the ground or at least some snow falling from the sky.

"Where the tree tops glisten. And, children listen, to hear sleigh bells in the snow."

But the odds aren't usually in our favor. Northern Ohio sees a White Christmas every three or four years. Those aren't good averages, unless you're a baseball player.

But, this year, we are in luck. Friday's snowfall should give everyone a good coating of snow on the ground. And, with temperatures expected to fall into the 20s at night and the middle 30s during the day through next week, much of this new fallen snow should hang around long enough for Santa to come to town.

The best chance for that white Christmas will be across the snow belt, where 4 or more inches of snow has fallen today.

"I'm dreaming of a White Christmas with every Christmas card I write."

Of course, the ground is still warm enough to melt some of the snow from underneath. Those of you who end up with a scant inch or two of snow in your yard from Friday's storm, may see a lot of that melt away by Christmas Day.

But, there's more hope. Another weather system traveling through the Ohio Valley will send us a glancing blow of snow on Christmas Eve. That could add a nice dusting of fresh powder to your mistletoe in time for Christmas breakfast.

The bottom line: Your chances of a White Christmas this year are very high. So, stay safe and enjoy.

"May your days be merry and bright! And may all your Christmases be white." Have a safe and happy holiday season!