CENTRAL NEW YORK — Area residents who are dreaming of a white Christmas just like the ones they used to know are likely to be happy this Sunday.

Although all forecasts are subject to change at the whim of Mother Nature, the chances of having a white Christmas this year in most of the central New York area are between 75 to 80%, forecasted Gordie Fox of the Munnsville-based Stormin’ Gordon community weather group.

And people up in the north country of New York State will definitely be seeing the treetops glisten while the children listen for sleigh bells in the snow ... they have a full 100% chance of snow ground coverage for Christmas, Fox promised. Even with a significant melting Thursday as temperatures warm, he added.

“After a wintry mix and plain heavy rain combined with warmer air mass, there will be snow melt greatly reducing the current snow pack,” Fox said Wednesday. “With that said, it will turn sharply colder Friday as the storm exits and this will turn the remaining rain to snow. We can expect about 2 to 3 inches when all is said and done.”

Fox said he felt the chances of snow on the ground Sunday throughout the area are only between 75 to 80%, not daring to commit further.

“I leave it at 75 to 80% because as you know we are in central New York where it can change in the next hour,” he said.

For the latest local forecast and other weather information, visit the Stormin’ Gordon page on Facebook.

Meteorologist Michael Murphy from the National Weather Service in Binghamton agreed that the day will likely be merry and bright and Christmas will be white, offering even better odds for a white Christmas throughout central New York. He agreed after the Thursday into Friday warmup it will turn colder Friday night but with between 2 to 4 inches of snow by Saturday morning.

More snow is expected Saturday during the day as well, he added.

“We are looking at a high likelihood of a white Christmas,” Murphy assessed. “We should have between 2 to 6 inches of snow on the ground so I’d say the odds are at least 90% if not 100%.”