With Thanksgiving coming up, many travelers are eagerly anticipating their holiday plans. But this year, the weather might throw a wrench in those plans, particularly with the forecasted winter storm looming over many parts of the United States. Predictions indicate chilly air and potentially disruptive precipitation could lead to travel difficulties as millions hit the road and take to the skies.
According to forecasts from various weather agencies, cold temperatures will settle across much of the country next week, coinciding with the Thanksgiving holiday. This cold snap isn’t expected to break any record lows, but it will certainly add to the chill of the season. Early in the week, weather systems developing over the Great Lakes are expected to move toward the eastern parts of the U.S., bringing rain and possibly snow.
On Monday, travelers in the West can expect persistent rain and mountain snow as new storms form over the Great Lakes. While this first storm system is predicted to be relatively weak, it could still lead to rain and wet snow across states like Michigan and Wisconsin. The conditions will only intensify as the week progresses.
Moving on to Tuesday, the storm will continue pushing eastward, affecting regions from New York down to Atlanta. Travelers should prepare for potential delays; though severe weather is not anticipated, rain could disrupt plans along the eastern seaboard. Accordingly, cities like Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. may show scattered delays as the storm sweeps through.
The real changes begin on Wednesday when more significant weather patterns are expected. A new storm is likely to form over central U.S. states, potentially creating wet snow conditions around the Chicago area and rainfall across the likes of St. Louis and Memphis. This storm is anticipated to continue its eastern track, possibly resulting in rain and snow by late Wednesday for parts of the Northeast, which could significantly disrupt travel for the Thanksgiving crowds.
By Thanksgiving Day, the storm could bring mixed precipitation—rain, snow, and everything in between—to portions of the East. Although it doesn’t seem like it will be classified as a historically significant snowstorm, any kind of mixed-precipitation event during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year might lead to headaches for travelers trying to get to their Thanksgiving dinners.
Looking to Black Friday, the forecast shows even more potential for travel troubles. Areas of low pressure might emerge off the Eastern Seaboard, resulting not only in rain but potentially heavy snow for some areas, particularly across the interior Northeast. The guidance from forecasters suggests this could be the most disruptive day for travel due to the combination of holiday traffic, gusty winds, and inclement weather. Travelers should remain aware of the latest conditions, especially if they plan to travel during the busiest shopping day of the year.
Meanwhile, the West Coast is set to experience its own set of challenges. Heavy rainfall and gusty winds will likely impact cities such as San Francisco and Portland, where significant precipitation is expected. Although the storm's intensity could be less compared to previous atmospheric river events, travelers should remain cautious as flooding and power outages could still pose risks.
It's important to note nearly eight million people are anticipated to travel 50 miles or more, with peak travel days likely falling on the Tuesday and Wednesday right before Thanksgiving, as well as the Sunday following the holiday. Despite predictions of challenging conditions, the majority of travelers should still make it to their destination without significant delays.
On the flip side, Thanksgiving Day itself is typically one of the least busy travel days compared to the hectic days surrounding it. It appears this could play to the advantage of travelers hoping to navigate through the weather disruptions as travel numbers significantly drop on Thanksgiving compared to the busy days leading up to it.
After the storm moves out, cold air is forecasted to sweep through the eastern parts of the U.S., leading to markedly chillier temperatures across many states. Some regions could see daytime highs struggle to break above freezing, especially Chicago and New York where people will be hitting the malls and making their way back home from Thanksgiving meals.
The latest guidance points to this cold air making its presence known well beyond Thanksgiving, potentially keeping temperatures uncomfortably low through the beginning of December. This means the holiday spirit might have to contend with winter’s chill, especially for those who typically enjoy festive outdoor activities during this time of year.
Overall, as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, weather will certainly play a significant role for travelers. A mix of chilly conditions, snow, and rain could make for tricky travel, especially as many Americans look to gather with family and friends. It's wise to check the latest forecasts, prepare for possible delays, and stay alert to changing conditions as the turkey day draws near.
