Forecasters are saying southwestern Ontario shouldn't expect a white Christmas.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the entire region, saying milder weather is settling in for the next few days.

The Weather Network also says a U.S. storm will bring wind and rain that will melt any white stuff on the ground by Christmas Eve.

Rain is expected Tuesday, with more mild, rainy weather on Christmas Eve and temperatures in the high single digits, possibly even the low teens.

On Christmas Day, cooler temperatures with strong winds and some wet flurries are likely, but with little - if any - accumulation.

The province's east will have some snow on the ground but also faces a windy, rainy forecast for Christmas Day.

Meanwhile, northern Ontario can expect toboggan-friendly conditions and even fresh snow in some areas.

Still, Environment Canada says there has been a lot of discrepancy in the weather models for the holiday period and forecasters are continuing to monitor the situation.

Stark contrast to 2013

The mild forecast comes almost exactly a year after a crippling ice storm that caused significant damage in Windsor, Ottawa and the Greater Toronto Area.

According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), the storm on Dec. 20, 2013 caused more than $200 million in insured losses.

With an increase in severe weather, including flooding, ice storms, snow storms and tornadoes in Ontario over the last few years, the IBC is encouraging people to be prepared.

For information on preparing an emergency plan you can visit the IBC website.