NATCHEZ — People might have been dreaming of a white Christmas when they woke up this morning, but it looks more likely for Miss-Lou residents to experience a wet one, and a slightly chilly New Year’s.

National Weather Service meteorologist Davyon Hill from Shreveport said Tuesday Natchez was likely to see temperatures in the high 70s and mid 60s this Christmas, with a 50-percent chance of a thunderstorm.

Natchez’s weather is representative of the area, Hill said, so Vidalia and Ferriday might experience similar weather.

The temperatures are approximately 20 degrees above average for this time, and it doesn’t look like temperatures will get much colder.

A possible reason for the warmer weather could be this year’s El Niño, Hill said. El Niño is a weather event in the Pacific Ocean that carries unusually warm temperatures.

For the last few El Niños, Hill said temperatures have been above average in the region.

“So far it’s looking like that could happen again,” Hill said.

The area has been experiencing stormy weather all week. Monday saw rain showers drench last-minute Christmas shoppers and a severe weather warning was put into effect for the area Wednesday.

But anyone hoping for cooler weather in the month of December might not be completely out of luck. Sometime Monday or Tuesday Hill said a cold front is predicted to pass through the area.

“That will probably take us back down close to average, but it looks like temperatures will probably warm back up after that,” Hill said.

Overall, Hill said no indicators for winter weather exist over the next week or so.

“I’ve seen things change within a four- or five-day period, but just going on what we’re seeing now, I wouldn’t bet on winter weather,” Hill said.

So, for now, dreams of a white Christmas, or at least a dry Christmas, might have to wait until next year.