As Thanksgiving approaches, many families are preparing for travel to gather for the holiday. If you’re planning to drive to your celebrations, it’s important to be aware of the weather forecast as you make your travel plans.
Friday: The Most Challenging Travel Day
Friday is predicted to be the worst day for early Thanksgiving travel. A low pressure system may cause significant weather disruptions across the middle of the country.
- Gulf Coast Storms: Expect potential storms across the Gulf Coast, with heavy rainfall in the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys, as well as the Central Plains.
- Wintry Weather in the Northeast: A second low pressure system moving from Canada may bring icy conditions to New England and high elevations in the Green and White Mountains, resulting in hazardous road situations.
- Rain in the Southwest: While not an atmospheric river, a storm system moving ashore is likely to bring rain and some mountain snow to Southern California and desert regions.
Major airport hubs that may face weather-related delays include Atlanta, New York, Boston, Washington, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Seattle.
Saturday: A Clearer Outlook
Saturday’s weather is expected to improve for travelers, with reduced precipitation across the country.
- Cold Front Across Gulf Coast and Mid-Atlantic: The frontal system will push southeast, bringing rain from eastern Texas to Delaware, with heavy rainfall anticipated around the southern Appalachian mountains, particularly in Tennessee and the Carolinas.
- Lingering Showers in the West: While the weather patterns in the Southwest begin to stabilize, some showers, along with mountain snow in the Northern Rockies, may still be experienced.
Impacted major airport hubs include Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, and Seattle.
Sunday: Minimal Precipitation
By Sunday, most areas should see an absence of heavy precipitation, though some drizzle may linger.
- Developing System for the Southern Tier: The remnants of the front may create a low pressure system over the Southern Rockies, potentially leading to scattered rain and mountain snow.
- Typical Pacific Northwest Conditions: Residents can expect rain and mountain snow, which is typical for this time of year.
Major airport hubs likely to be affected include Dallas, Houston, and Seattle.
Whether you’re heading out for the holiday weekend or staying put, keeping an eye on the weather forecast is crucial for safe travels.