Millions of Thanksgiving travelers are bracing for Mother Nature’s unwelcome surprises: wet and wintry conditions, plunging temperatures, and a disruptive storm expected to impact plans through the holiday weekend. Here’s what to expect day by day.
Wednesday: Calm Start Before the Storm
Travelers kicking off their journeys on Wednesday morning will enjoy calm, sunny weather in the East, offering ideal conditions for last-minute plans.
By afternoon, a storm will brew over the southern Plains and Mississippi Valley, spreading rain across the Midwest and Appalachians overnight. Light snow may mix with rain from Illinois to northern Pennsylvania and southern New York, creating slippery conditions for early Thanksgiving travelers.
Out West, heavy snow in western Colorado will taper off by afternoon. Higher elevations may see up to 3 feet of snow, while Denver could receive 1 to 3 inches. Despite the snow, impacts on travel in Denver should be minimal due to temperatures hovering in the mid-30s.
Thursday: A Soggy Thanksgiving for Many
Thanksgiving Day brings widespread cold and messy weather, particularly in the East. Rain will stretch from the Southeast to the Northeast, with interior areas of the Northeast and northern New England seeing light snow.
“Thursday is shaping up to be the messiest day,” said CNN Meteorologist Elisa Raffa. Rainfall, while not heavy enough to cause flooding, could lead to poor visibility and slippery roads from the Gulf Coast to New England. Eastern airports may face delays due to dreary, low-cloud conditions.
In higher elevations of the Northeast, wet snow could accumulate by late Thursday night, while Arctic air surges into the Northern Plains, bringing the first significant cold snap of the season.
Friday and the Weekend: Frigid Air Takes Over
As the Thanksgiving storm exits the East, bitterly cold air will grip much of the country. Friday morning lows will mark the coldest temperatures in months for millions. Arctic air crossing the Great Lakes will trigger intense lake-effect snow, potentially piling up several feet in hard-hit areas.
Travel disruptions are expected along major routes like Interstate 90 near Cleveland and Buffalo and Interstate 81 north of Syracuse. The National Weather Service warns of potential road closures due to low visibility and deep snow cover.
In the Northern Plains and Midwest, temperatures will plummet, with some areas barely reaching the teens. Chicago will struggle to climb above the mid-30s, while the Dakotas brace for sub-zero lows.
Cold Snap to Stick Around
The Arctic blast will send temperatures plunging 10 to 20 degrees below average from the Gulf Coast to the Northeast. Cities like Philadelphia and New York may record their first highs in the 30s since February.
Forecasters predict the cold air will linger as December begins, with many areas in the central and eastern U.S. experiencing their chilliest weather of the season so far.
Bundle up and prepare for travel delays as the holiday weekend unfolds!
