Thanksgiving 2024 weather forecast by US region: Will it snow?

On November 24, 2024By Littum

For many of the tens of thousands of Americans who will be traveling for Thanksgiving, forecasters say some “messy” weather could be in store.

Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel, according to AAAwhich predicts how many people will travel by plane or car. Nearly 80 million are expected to travel at least 50 miles from their homes.

Some travelers can expect cold temperatures, high winds, rain and even the possibility of heavy snow. The cold weather can also extend to shopping and traveling after the holidays.

There is also a slight risk of heavy snow in the Great Lakes region and the Northeast starting the day after Thanksgiving and into the weekend, while the west is set to continue to see rain in California.

In the eastern US, ‘messy Thanksgiving travel’ is possible

On Saturday, the The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center predicted “messy Thanksgiving trip” was possible in the eastern United States

AccuWeather meteorologist Paul Pastelok previously told USA TODAY that travelers should be prepared for delays due to strong winds throughout the region.

For those in the Great Lakes region that stretches into the Northeast, rain and snow are expected at higher elevations Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. An area of low pressure is bringing “the most significant burst of cold air of the season so far” across most of the contiguous United States, the weather service said.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in New York could see the possibility of rain.

Weather forecast map

Midwest to see rain, risk of snow in parts

The weather service says there is a chance for light snow in parts of the Central Plains and the middle Mississippi River Valley on Wednesday. This could affect the upper Ohio Valley, Appalachian Mountains, Mid-Atlantic and Interior Northeast by Thanksgiving Day and into Friday.

Rain, the first frost of the season in the south

The first freeze of the season could then come across the South.

A low-pressure system is set to develop in the south-central Plains and will track eastward, likely adding precipitation to the eastern half of the United States between Wednesday and Friday, federal forecasters said. The heaviest precipitation is currently expected in the mid-southern United States, Tennessee Valley and lower Ohio Valley from late Wednesday into Thursday.

In the West, residents haven’t had much of a break from the rain yet

In the west, the rain will slowly move south into Tuesday, the Weather Prediction Center said. This is expected to bring “modest rain” to California, which has been hit by an atmospheric river that has caused flooding in parts.

The rainfall is expected to affect areas south of where flooding has occurred. Showers could be possible from California to the Pacific Northwest, said Chris Dolce, a weather.com meteorologist.

Snowfall will also accumulate in the western mountain ranges, with heavy snow between 1 and 3 feet in the Sierra Nevada and 1 to 2 feet in the Colorado Rockies.

Meanwhile, the Southwest could see above-average temperatures on Tuesday, moving to the Southern Plains. However, a wave of cold air will sweep over most of the contiguous United States later this week, cooling the west and south to normal.

Precipitation should taper off later next week.

Stay safe during Thanksgiving travel

Before you head out on your Thanksgiving travels, check the weather. Tell someone when you are leaving and when you expect to arrive.

Stay off the roads during blizzards and winter storms unless absolutely necessary. If you need to drive in severe weather, go slowly and use your headlights. Even if the road looks clear, black ice – which is actually invisible – can be lurking and causing you to lose control.

Prepare your car in case you get stranded on the road in bad conditions. Pack a safety kit that includes blankets, water and non-perishable food. Keep warm clothes in your car, even if you don’t think you’ll need them.

Make sure your mobile phone is charged.

If you get stranded in a winter storm, stay in your car. Start your engine and use the heater at regular intervals – about 10 minutes every hour – but make sure your tailpipes are clear of snow and a window with no wind is open for ventilation.

Try doing light exercise to keep your extremities moving.

(This story has been updated to add new information and correct a typo.)

Cast: Dinah Voyles Pulver and Doyle Rice