Thanksgiving Travel Could Be Slowed by Weather Across the U.S.
Thanksgiving week is officially here, and if you’re planning to hit the road or take to the skies, you might want to keep an eye on the forecast because the weather isn’t expected to fully cooperate in several parts of the country. From foggy mornings to snow and thunderstorms, travelers could face a range of conditions from Monday through the weekend. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and how it might affect your trip.
Starting Monday, fog is expected to blanket parts of the Midwest, the Deep South, and select areas of the West. While most of this fog should lift by mid-morning, morning commuters and early flights in cities like Louisville, Nashville, Sacramento, St. Louis, and Tampa could experience delays. Heavy rain will soak the central U.S., stretching from Texas and Louisiana to the upper Mississippi Valley, with flooding and isolated severe thunderstorms possible. Drivers should plan for flooded roads, and travelers flying through Dallas-Fort Worth or Houston might encounter weather-related delays. Up in the Northern Rockies, snow accompanied by gusty winds may create slippery conditions on mountain passes.
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On Tuesday, fog is again expected along the Eastern Seaboard, from the Northeast down to Florida, and in parts of the Midwest. Morning flight delays could occur at major East Coast airports, as well as in Chicago. Rain will spread across the eastern half of the country by the day’s end, with thunderstorms possible in parts of the Southeast. Meanwhile, wind-driven snow in the Northern Plains—from the Dakotas into northern Minnesota—could make Interstate 94 and Interstate 29 tricky to navigate. Later in the day, rain may turn to snow in the Twin Cities, creating potentially hazardous road conditions. The Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies may see another storm system bringing rain and snow, particularly over mountain passes.
Wednesday, which is one of the busiest travel days of the week, could bring lingering showers to parts of the East ahead of a cold front, potentially causing delays at major Northeast hubs. Heavy lake-effect snow combined with strong winds is expected across the Great Lakes snowbelts, including northern and western Michigan, northern Wisconsin, and parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York, making travel especially dangerous. The Northwest will remain wet, with rain in the Pacific Northwest and snow over the Northern Rockies.
On Thanksgiving Day, lake-effect snow will continue to impact the Great Lakes, creating whiteout conditions along key interstates like I-90, I-81, I-80/90, and I-94. Snow may also blanket the northern Rockies, while western Washington and Oregon could see showers and gusty winds. Into Friday and Saturday, more snow, rain, and thunderstorms are expected in various regions, from the Northern Plains and Midwest to the South and Rockies, creating travel hazards for both drivers and flyers. By Sunday, the forecast remains uncertain, with models showing varying possibilities, including rain along the East Coast, snow in northern New England, and scattered storms in the central U.S.
In short, travelers should prepare for a mix of fog, rain, snow, and strong winds this Thanksgiving week. Checking the latest forecasts before hitting the road or heading to the airport is strongly recommended, and extra travel time should be factored in to stay safe. This week, patience and caution will be just as important as packing your suitcase.
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