The National Climatic Data Center has released information showing a slight probability that snow could fall on Christmas day in Ohio.

Storm Center 7 Chief Meteorologist Jamie Simpson said it’s still too early to tell, but the opportunity is there.

“We’ll keep a close eye on a system next Tuesday that will likely pass just to the south through the day, but could bring a little light snow north of the Ohio River,” Simpson said. “Behind that system, more cold air could mean some lake-effect snow showers, and after that system passes we get into a pattern more favorable for some snow.”

A map made available by the National Climatic Data Center shows the climatological probability of the Southwest Ohio region having at least 1 inch of snow is between 10 and 25 percent.

Percentages are based on the most recent 1981-2010 climate normals. Click here to see the NCDC’s probability map.

For the remainder of this week, skies are expected to remain clear through Friday evening. Temperatures will reach the middle 40s Thursday and upper 40s on Friday, Simpson said.

Rain will arrive sometime Saturday afternoon and be steady at times through the evening. Lingering showers on Sunday are expected to taper off in the morning.