Thanksgiving Travel Forecast

Introduction to Thanksgiving Travel

According to AAA, more Americans will travel for Thanksgiving this year than ever before. Whether you’re flying or driving, the weather could impact your trip. Here’s what to expect across the country this week.

What You Need To Know

Key Points

• An early week system will bring rain from the Plains to East Coast
• Thanksgiving looks mostly quiet across U.S.
• Much colder air after Thanksgiving

Here are the weather highlights for Thanksgiving travelers this week. A more detailed forecast for each day can be found below.

Monday

A system will be on the move and bring widespread rain from the Southern Plains to Great Lakes. Scattered storms could create travel issues for places like Dallas, St. Louis and Memphis.

Tuesday

By Tuesday, our system will continue its path to the east with showers and storms expected in the Southeast and up the East Coast. Areas farther north will see mostly showers, so nothing too concerning other than a wet commute up and down I-95.

Wednesday

By Wednesday, the system will be mostly gone with only a few areas of lingering rain chances in the East and lake-effect snow in the Great Lakes. Attention turns to the Pacific Northwest where the next system will be moving on shore. Rain and mountain snow will be likely in this region.

Thanksgiving Day

If you are traveling short and far on Thanksgiving Day, most of the country thankfully looks quiet and uneventful. The Pacific NW system will be pushing inland bringing snow across the northern Mountain West. Additionally, the lake-effect machine will continue in the Great Lakes.

Black Friday

Black Friday shoppers may need to deal with some winter weather from the Northern Plains to Great Lakes. Temperatures will be far colder behind the early week front setting this one up.

Saturday

Forecast info.

Sunday

Forecast info.

Conclusion

Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

FAQs

Q: What is the weather forecast for Thanksgiving travel?
A: The weather forecast for Thanksgiving travel is mostly quiet across the U.S., with some rain and snow expected in certain regions.
Q: Which areas will be affected by rain and snow?
A: The Southern Plains to Great Lakes, Southeast, and East Coast will experience rain and storms, while the Pacific Northwest and Great Lakes will see snow and lake-effect snow.
Q: Will the weather impact Black Friday shopping?
A: Yes, Black Friday shoppers may need to deal with winter weather from the Northern Plains to Great Lakes, with colder temperatures and potential snow.