Thanksgiving Travel Forecast: Weather Impacts to Watch For
Thanksgiving week is upon us, but travelers should prepare for various weather challenges across the United States. The forecast indicates potential disruptions due to fog, rain, snow, and thunderstorms, particularly in several major regions.
Weather Forecast: Key Impacts for Thanksgiving Travel
Monday’s Forecast
Major airports facing potential delays on Monday include:
- Dallas
- Houston
- Kansas City
Fog is likely to affect the Midwest, Deep South, and certain areas in the West, with visibility issues starting in the morning and expected to lift by mid-morning. Cities such as Louisville, Nashville, and Tampa may experience delayed flights.
In the central U.S., significant rain is forecasted from Texas and Louisiana up through the upper Mississippi Valley. This rain may lead to flooding and severe thunderstorms, particularly impacting travel in areas like Dallas-Ft. Worth and Houston.
The Northern Rockies may see snow and increasing winds, creating hazards on mountain passes.
Tuesday’s Forecast
Tuesday will bring challenges to major airports including:
- Atlanta
- Chicago
- New York City
- Philadelphia
- Seattle
- Minneapolis
- Washington, D.C.
Visibility issues due to fog could impact flights from the Northeast down to Florida and parts of the Midwest. Rain is expected to push eastward, impacting travel in the Southeast, with possible thunderstorms in affected areas.
Heavy snow driven by winds may create travel difficulties in the Northern Plains, particularly along Interstate 94 and 29. The Northwest will face another storm system bringing rain and snow, further complicating conditions.
Wednesday and Thanksgiving Day Forecast
By Wednesday, major airports including Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia may confront lingering rain. High travel volumes could lead to delays, especially at Northeast hubs. The Great Lakes region should prepare for lake-effect snow impacting major interstates.
On Thanksgiving Day, Seattle could experience lake-effect snow. In the Northern Rockies, snow may blanket the region, with additional rain reported in the Pacific Northwest. Travelers in the Great Lakes region should remain cautious due to possible whiteout conditions.
Black Friday and Weekend Outlook
On Black Friday, major airports like Dallas-Ft. Worth and Houston could be affected by continuing lake-effect snow risks. Snow is likely to spread from Montana into the Northern Plains, intensifying on Friday night.
This weekend holds considerable uncertainty regarding the weather. Travelers should remain updated as potential wintry weather moves through the Mississippi Valley and Great Lakes, while thunderstorms may impact the South, leading to possible flight delays.
In summary, Thanksgiving travel will be significantly affected by a variety of weather conditions across the U.S. Passengers are advised to stay informed about updates and delays as they plan their travel for the holiday season.
