Florida’s South Coast is gearing up for sunny skies and cooler nights as residents brace for the Thanksgiving travel rush. Starting Monday, the temperatures are set to reach daytime highs around 79°F but will drop to the upper 60s during the evenings, creating crisp but comfortable conditions for outdoor plans.
The National Weather Service (NWS) Miami has indicated dry conditions will prevail throughout early this week, with no rain expected. Winds are predicted to shift to the northeast on Monday, which should introduce a refreshing breeze, particularly during the morning and evening commutes.
By midweek, residents can expect daytime temperatures to approach 80°F, and nighttime lows will warm slightly to the lower 70s. This weather pattern is especially welcome as Turkey Day approaches, making travel all the easier on major routes like I-75 and I-95, where clear skies and dry roads are anticipated.
Thanksgiving itself is expected to remain sunny with highs hitting 81°F, allowing families to enjoy outdoor festivities without weather worries. Yet, it’s worth keeping tabs on evening temperatures, particularly for those residing inland in places like Clewiston and Immokalee, where temps could drop to the mid-50s, making layers necessary for nighttime events.
Meanwhile, as travelers across the nation prepare for the holiday, another aspect causing concern is the impact of severe weather elsewhere. Bad weather, including snowstorms sweeping through parts of the U.S., threatens to disrupt holiday plans for many, including travelers heading through Miami International Airport.
WSVN 7News reported on Saturday long lines forming at the airport, signaling the chaotic travel conditions expected this holiday season. Kate Hansalman, traveling to Turks and Caicos, commented on her surprisingly smooth experience so far, hoping to miss peak holiday traffic as the week progresses.
Unfortunately, not everyone is having the same luck. Particularly, cities like San Francisco are experiencing significant rainfall, which has caused flooding at the airport and is part of what has been described as extreme weather patterns across the western U.S. Parts of Sonoma County reportedly received over 20 inches of rain, marking about 300% more than the norm for November.
Residents there are dealing with storm aftermath, as cleanup efforts are complicated by continued rainfall. More winter alerts came for areas of the western United States after the recent bomb cyclone wreaked havoc on the Pacific Northwest, leaving many residents displaced and coping with severe damage.
On the other side of the country, drivers are facing dangerous driving conditions from West Virginia to New England, where winter storm warnings have snow accumulations expected to reach two feet. According to Jillian Young, Director of Public Relations for AAA Northeast, Thanksgiving marks the busiest travel week of the year, with an estimated 80 million people traveling over 50 miles this week, breaking previous records.
The Transportation Security Administration predicts more than 18 million passengers will take to the skies between this Tuesday and December 2, reinforcing the need for travelers to plan accordingly, especially considering the likelihood of weather-related delays.
So, whether you're heading out to visit family, soak up some sun on the South Coast, or battling through the winter weather elsewhere, being prepared is the key this holiday season. Keep your emergency kits stocked and stay updated with local forecasts for the latest travel tips and weather updates.
Overall, it's shaping up to be quite the week across South Florida. From balmy temperatures perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations to the promise of safe travels, residents can be thankful for mild conditions as they finalize their holiday plans.
