Thanksgiving week weather forecast: Snow, rain, and travel disruptions expected across US

The FOX Forecast Center is keeping a close watch on weather patterns this Thanksgiving week, anticipating conditions that could cause travel disruptions across the United States.

While a majority of travelers should reach their destinations with minimal issues, getting home may prove more challenging, particularly for those heading east.

With nearly 80 million people expected to travel 50 miles or more, peak travel days are anticipated to fall on the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, as well as the Sunday after the holiday.

The forecast suggests that those traveling during these busy days may encounter complications due to weather conditions, especially in certain regions, as per a report by Fox Weather.

West Coast Storms and Mountain Snow

The week is set to kick off with stormy weather on the West Coast, where heavy rain and gusty winds are expected in the lower elevations, accompanied by snow in the mountain regions.

Cities such as Portland, Oregon, and San Francisco are likely to experience the heaviest precipitation, though the storm’s intensity is predicted to be much less severe than the recent atmospheric river event that caused widespread flooding and tree falls, as mentioned in a report by Fox Weather.As the system moves eastward, it will bring moisture to the Rockies and parts of the South, creating pockets of light precipitation, although these conditions are not expected to reach severe weather thresholds. However, travelers in areas like Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and the mountains of California can expect snow-covered roads and potentially hazardous driving conditions.

Midweek Travel: Airport Delays and Snowfall

From Tuesday through Thursday, weather conditions are expected to remain unsettled, with intermittent precipitation affecting the Intermountain West and the South.

These conditions could lead to delays at major airports, including Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Major hubs like Atlanta and Charlotte will also see rain showers extending into the mid-Atlantic, though the storm timing should avoid the busiest travel windows.

The worst weather in the South is likely to occur on Thanksgiving Day itself, a historically low-traffic air travel day, with only 1.5 million travelers passing through airport checkpoints in 2023. This may provide some relief for those traveling on this quieter day, despite the inclement weather.

Black Friday: Potential Low-Pressure System and Winter Weather

The FOX Forecast Center has highlighted Black Friday, November 29, as the most disruptive day for travel, especially along the East Coast.

A low-pressure system is expected to develop off the Eastern Seaboard, though its exact path remains uncertain. If the system strengthens, it could bring a significant washout, while a more moderate version may lead to occasional showers.

Either way, the forecast indicates a growing likelihood of winter weather affecting the interior Northeast and the Great Lakes region, with lake-effect snow persisting into the weekend.

As traffic increases and weather conditions worsen, roadways and airports along the I-95 corridor are expected to experience delays.

Cold Air to Sweep Across the US

As the storm system moves east, it will be followed by a significant drop in temperatures, marking the coldest air of the season. An intrusion of cold air from Canada is set to arrive on Thanksgiving Day, pushing south and eastward across much of the eastern U.S.

The cold front is expected to bring freezing temperatures to the northern Plains and near the Canadian border, with some areas experiencing subzero temperatures and chilling wind chills.

Cities like Chicago are predicted to struggle to reach above freezing, while New York may find it difficult to climb out of the 40s as residents begin their travels.

Unlike previous cold fronts that dissipated quickly, this airmass is expected to keep temperatures well below average throughout the first week of December, affecting both road and air travel.

FAQs

Why is Thanksgiving Turkey Day?

Some historians suggest that early settlers, inspired by the queen’s actions, chose to roast a turkey instead of a goose. Since the wild turkey is native to North America, Benjamin Franklin argued that it was a more fitting national bird for the United States than the bald eagle.

Is Thanksgiving bigger than Christmas?

Thanksgiving stands as the most significant American holiday, as it provides a unique opportunity for families to come together, express gratitude, and strengthen their bonds, more so than even Christmas or the Fourth of July.