Forget the white and bring on the warm.

It has neither felt nor looked like Christmas this season as unseasonably warm temperatures have graced the area this December, and it looks as if the temperatures might stick around.

The Kentucky Mesonet site at the Western Kentucky University farm recorded six days so far in December with temperatures of 60 degrees or higher. In the final month of 2010, only Dec. 31 topped 60 degrees, with a recorded high of 66.2 degrees.

Overall, this December has been much warmer than a year ago: The average temperature in December has been 52 degrees, compared to 38.4 in 2010.

Andrea Schoettmer, meteorologist for the National Weather Service, said Kentucky is experiencing a La Niña weather pattern, which typically results in above-average temperatures and above-average precipitation.

“That’s certainly been the case with this active weather pattern,” Schoettmer said.

And as this area has experienced, there’s often a surge of warm weather ahead of rain events, which knock temperatures back down to seasonal averages.

Kentucky, like much of the country, will be without a white Christmas this weekend. Schoettmer said about two-thirds of the country will be without snow. Some portions of upper New England could experience snow, as well as a few areas around the Great Lakes.

“(No snow) is great for holiday travel in the region,” Schoettmer said. “That is one plus.”

Both 2010 and 2011 are a stark contrast to Dec. 22, 1989, when Bowling Green recorded the coldest December day on record: A high of 1 degree and a low of 14 below zero.

Meanwhile, the beginning of 2012 doesn’t appear too frigid, according to predictions. Highs are expected to remain in the mid-40s through the next week, which is normal for this time of year.

Schoettmer said the Climate Prediction Center offered a long-term outlook for the area Dec. 14, which forecasts above-normal temperatures and above-normal precipitation.

With temperatures at the levels they’ve been, Schoettmer said it’s unlikely snow will stick because the moisture in the ground keeps it warm.

“Quick snow bursts could stick,” Schoettmer said. “But the wet grounds and generally warm and near-normal temperatures will prevent snow from sticking.”