Early Thanksgiving Travel Alert: Cold, Rain and Snow Could Slow Roads and Flights

Nearly 82 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles for Thanksgiving this year, a roughly 2% increase from last year. Most — about 73.3 million — plan to drive, while roughly 6 million will fly. Forecasters are tracking multiple storm systems that could complicate travel for early holiday leavers this weekend and for peak travel days on Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

Friday

Friday is shaping up as the most problematic travel day this weekend. A storm threat along the Gulf Coast could bring heavy showers and thunderstorms. Widespread heavy rain is possible across the Mississippi and Ohio valleys and the Central Plains, while the central Rockies may still see lingering mountain snow.

In the Northeast, interior New England and the higher elevations of the Green and White Mountains could see wintry precipitation. Temperatures in some spots will hover near freezing, which raises the risk of icy or slippery road conditions even where significant snow is not expected.

Along the West Coast and into the Southwest, a system pushing onshore will produce rain and mountain snow in portions of the mountains. Major airport hubs that could face weather-related impacts on Friday include Atlanta, New York, Boston, Washington, Dallas, Los Angeles and Seattle.

Saturday

Precipitation should generally ease Saturday, but rain still extends from eastern Texas up through Delaware. The heaviest totals are expected in the southern Appalachians — around Tennessee and the Carolinas — which could affect driving and regional travel. The West Coast will trend quieter, with just lingering showers in places.

Airports to watch Saturday include Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston and Seattle, where delays and cancellations remain possible.

Sunday

The Southern Rockies may see a mix of rain and mountain snow, while light rain is possible over the southern Plains and the Tennessee Valley. The Pacific Northwest is also forecast to receive rain and mountain snow into the day.

Week ahead — national outlook

Meteorologist Chad Merrill outlines several regional trends travelers should note:

Western U.S.

Early in the week, cold air will surge from the Northwest into the Rockies, producing snow and gusty winds. By late week, temperatures in the northern Rockies could drop as much as 20 degrees below average. Southern California may see a brief gusty wind event on Thanksgiving Day, though recent rainfall has reduced wildfire concerns.

Central U.S.

The Plains into the Midwest are expected to experience rain and possible thunderstorms from early to midweek, followed by strong winds and much colder, blustery conditions. Temperatures are forecast to plunge across the region, extending down toward the Texas Gulf Coast. Travelers returning home later in the week should be alert for snow and blowing snow north of I-70, which could create hazardous travel.

Eastern U.S.

A cold front early in the week will bring breezy winds with rain and snow showers across parts of the Northeast. Another storm arriving around Thanksgiving may bring rain to the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic and additional snow showers in the Northeast. By the end of the holiday weekend expect much colder air, more rain in some regions, and lake-effect snow and gusty winds in the snow belts.

Practical tips: Leave extra travel time, check local forecasts and road conditions before departing, verify flight status with airlines, and be prepared for sudden temperature drops and slick roads in higher elevations.