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As Thanksgiving approaches, a significant shift in weather patterns is anticipated, potentially complicating travel plans for holiday celebrations. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued alerts about a cold front sweeping across the Lower 48 states, impacting both air and road travel.
With millions of Americans expected to travel, understanding the weather forecast is essential for a smooth Thanksgiving experience. This article provides a breakdown of expected weather conditions from Wednesday through Sunday, equipping travelers with the necessary information to navigate potential disruptions.
Wednesday weather challenges in the East and Northwest
On Wednesday, a cold front will advance toward the East Coast, bringing rain showers to key urban areas along the I-95 corridor. Cities such as Atlanta and Charlotte may experience thunderstorms, which could complicate travel plans. In the Midwest, major airports like Chicago and Detroit are likely to face snow showers and strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph, creating hazardous conditions for air and road travel.
Midwest travel difficulties
Travelers in the upper Plains should exercise caution, as snowfall combined with high winds may lead to reduced visibility and dangerous road conditions. Those planning to travel in these regions must be prepared for sudden weather changes.
Thanksgiving Day: a mix of conditions
As Thanksgiving Day arrives, rain is expected to clear from New York City just in time for the iconic Thanksgiving Day Parade. However, attendees are advised to dress warmly, as wind chills could drop temperatures into the 20s. In the Great Lakes region, gusty winds from the cold front will contribute to lake effect snow, which may severely impact visibility on the roads.
In contrast, the Mid-South and Gulf Coast regions are forecasted to enjoy sunny skies and mild temperatures, providing a pleasant backdrop for holiday festivities. Meanwhile, the Pacific Northwest will continue to experience rain, with snow falling in higher elevations of the northern Rockies.
Friday and the aftermath of winter weather
Black Friday shoppers in the southern U.S. can anticipate drier conditions, facilitating navigation through crowded stores and traffic. Conversely, the Great Lakes region will face challenges, as lake effect snow accumulations could exceed a foot in areas downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario, resulting in significant travel delays for holiday returnees.
Pacific Northwest conditions
In the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies, a storm system is predicted to bring heavier rain and accumulating snow to elevations above 4,000 feet, posing challenges for travelers in these areas.
Weekend forecast: cooler temperatures and snow
The weather will remain warm in the Southern U.S. on Saturday, but a new storm system is expected to deliver heavy rain and thunderstorms to the Mississippi River Valley. Snow will continue to blanket the Midwest, with a wintry mix possible. While the East Coast will experience cool, dry conditions, the Northwest will see ongoing snowfall from the Cascades to the Bitterroot range.
As Sunday approaches, the northern Plains will encounter the coldest temperatures of the season, with highs only reaching the teens and twenties. Wind chills will exacerbate the cold, making travel in this region particularly challenging. Additionally, stormy weather will persist from the Gulf Coast into the Mid-South, with a new system bringing rain and snow to the Four Corners region of the Rockies.
With millions of Americans expected to travel, understanding the weather forecast is essential for a smooth Thanksgiving experience. This article provides a breakdown of expected weather conditions from Wednesday through Sunday, equipping travelers with the necessary information to navigate potential disruptions.0