Thanksgiving, a highly anticipated holiday, is just around the corner. It is a time for families to come together, feast on turkey dinners, and share moments of joy. However, Thanksgiving also comes with the hustle and bustle of travel. This year, it is important to note that many parts of the United States are expected to experience cold, strong winds, and rain and snow during the Thanksgiving week, which may have some impact on travel plans.
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. According to data from the American Automobile Association (AAA), nearly 80 million people are expected to travel to destinations at least 50 miles away from home.
Based on the upcoming weather forecast for Thanksgiving week, most parts of the United States are expected to experience seasonal cold weather. While it may not break previous low temperature records, several cities are expected to be hit by cold fronts during the Thanksgiving period.
In the coming days, a weather system forming over the Great Lakes will move towards the East Coast, bringing another round of precipitation. At the same time, another weather system will enter the West Coast, bringing more rain and heavy snow to the Cascades and Rockies.
Here is a summary of the daily weather conditions during Thanksgiving week based on ABC News. It is important to note that these weather forecasts may change over time.
The western United States will continue to see moderate rainfall and mountain snow. A new storm is expected to form over the Great Lakes, bringing rain and possibly wet snow to parts of Michigan and Wisconsin.
As the storm moves from the Great Lakes to the Northeast on Monday night through Tuesday, there is a possibility of rain on the East Coast. This storm, along with a prolonged cold front, will bring rain to cities such as New York, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Charlotte, and Atlanta on Tuesday.
While this storm may not bring severe weather conditions, it could still cause sporadic travel delays in the eastern region.
Meanwhile, in the western region, a large winter storm in the Rockies may bring heavy snow to mountain areas, potentially impacting cities like Denver and major local airports. The threat of snow in the Denver area may continue into Wednesday.
On Wednesday, a new storm is expected to form in the central United States, bringing wet snow to the Chicago area and rain to cities like St. Louis and Memphis.
The storm will move eastward, potentially causing snow and rain in parts of the Great Lakes and Northeast on Wednesday night.
This storm could disrupt road and air travel for much of the eastern United States before Thanksgiving.
Parts of the Northeast may experience a mix of rain and snow, while most southern regions can expect rain.
This forecast is subject to change, but as of now, Thanksgiving travel in the eastern region may be affected.
The storm does not appear to be a historic major blizzard, but a mix of precipitation could occur during the busy travel period.
Depending on the speed of the storm’s movement, the eastern United States could still be impacted on Friday. Friday morning may see very active weather in the Northeast, with some weather models showing a mix of rain and snow.
Following the stormy weather, cold temperatures will set in.
From the Thanksgiving weekend through early December, two-thirds of the eastern United States could face cold weather. As the final month of 2024 approaches, Americans may truly begin to feel the wintery chill.
For safety reasons, it is advised to check the weather before Thanksgiving travel and make necessary preparations. If driving in inclement weather, it is best to drive slowly and turn on headlights. Before setting out, ensure that your vehicle is stocked with essentials such as blankets, water, warm clothing, and food, and make sure your phone is fully charged.