Thanksgiving weather forecast: NWS warns of lake-effect snow, high winds from the Great Lakes to the Northeast

A volatile Thanksgiving week is unfolding across the Midwest, Great Lakes and Northeast, with the National Weather Service (NWS) and NOAA flagging a compact but powerful winter setup capable of whiteouts in snowbelts, airport delays from gusty crosswinds, and sporadic power outages where heavy, wet snow and strong gusts overlap. The most disruptive conditions are expected from late Wednesday night through Thanksgiving Day, with lake-effect snow bands intensifying behind a sharp cold front and winds strong enough to challenge high-profile vehicles and parade balloons.

Thanksgiving Day winter storm: where the worst travel impacts are likely

Forecasters say the main hazards will vary by region: blowing lake-effect snow downwind of the Great Lakes, high wind warnings along favored shorelines and ridgelines, and a quick temperature drop that can flash-freeze wet roads. Drivers along I-90 from Cleveland toward Erie and Buffalo, and along I-94/I-196 in western Michigan, should plan for rapidly changing visibility in and near snow squalls. Air travelers could encounter delays at hubs exposed to crosswinds and snow bursts, with ground stops possible if a squall sits over a runway complex.

At a glance — key Thanksgiving hazards (Thu, Nov 27, local time):

• Lake-effect snow: Narrow, intense bands with whiteout conditions in parts of northeast Ohio, northwest Pennsylvania, western/central New York, and west/central Michigan.

• High winds: Gusts 30–55 mph common; isolated higher on lakeshores and exposed terrain.

• Flash freeze risk: Temperatures tumble behind the front; untreated roads/bridges can ice quickly.

• Power outages: Tree limbs on lines where gusts combine with heavy, wet snow; utilities are staging crews.

Cleveland weather: lake-effect snow warning and dangerous squalls

Cleveland and its eastern suburbs are under lake-effect snow alerts for Thanksgiving into Friday, with the NWS cautioning that persistent bands could park for hours and then shift abruptly. Totals will be highly variable—several inches where bands brush through, to double-digit amounts in the snowbelt east and southeast of the city. Winds gusting 40–50 mph will produce blowing and drifting, especially on east–west roads. If you must travel, build extra time between sunrise and early afternoon when squalls often peak, and keep a full tank, blankets, and a phone charger in the car.

Detroit weather: high winds, bursts of snow, and utility readiness

In metro Detroit and much of southeast Michigan, Thanksgiving brings a blustery, colder day with scattered snow showers and reduced visibility near heavier bursts. While snow totals look lighter than the west side of the state, gusts to 40–50 mph can still down tree limbs and cause spotty outages. Consumers Energy says crews are pre-staged for holiday response, emphasizing downed line safety and generator precautions. Expect slick spots late Thursday and Thursday night as temperatures drop below freezing.

New York Thanksgiving forecast: windy, colder; parade eyes balloon thresholds

New York City trends dry on Thanksgiving, but it will be chilly and windy. Morning temperatures hover in the low 40s (feels 30s) with west winds gusting 30–35 mph—near the range that can force parade balloons to fly lower. While sustained winds may stay under strict cutoff thresholds, organizers typically adjust in real-time for safety. Upstate, conditions turn harsher: lake-effect snow bands may hammer areas east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, including stretches of I-90 and I-81, with whiteouts and rapidly changing conditions for anyone driving to or from the city.

NWS headlines in effect: blizzard, winter storm, and high wind warnings

NWS offices across the Great Lakes have issued a patchwork of Winter Storm Warnings, Lake-Effect Snow Warnings, Blizzard Warnings in parts of the Upper Peninsula and favored lake belts, and High Wind Warnings/Advisories along the Lake Michigan and Lake Erie shorelines. Where blizzard criteria are met, expect near-zero visibility at times, especially Thursday afternoon and evening. Keep weather radios and wireless alerts on; short-fuse Snow Squall Warnings may be issued with little lead time.

Travel timing tips for Thanksgiving week

• Best windows: Early Wednesday and later Friday look more manageable for many corridors, outside of persistent lake belts.

• Worst windows: Thanksgiving Day through early Friday morning in Great Lakes snowbelts; Thursday afternoon for crosswind-sensitive flights.

• Aviation: Pack patience. Even dry, windy conditions can slow operations. Check your airline app before heading to the airport.

• Roads: If a squall hits, do not slam brakes; gradually reduce speed, increase following distance, and consider exiting until a band passes.

NOAA and NWS guidance: what to monitor hour by hour

• Short-term forecasts and radar: Track band placement; a 10–15 mile wobble can change totals and conditions dramatically.

• Wind trends: Gusts peaking 30–55 mph can force temporary closures of some bridges and contribute to flight diversions.

• Temperature drops: Watch for a quick slide below 32°F during the afternoon/evening, which can ice untreated surfaces.

Winter readiness checklist for homes and businesses

• Charge devices, assemble a basic outage kit (flashlights, batteries, water, snacks), and keep medications accessible.

• If using a generator, operate outdoors and away from vents to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.

• Park off-street where possible to aid plowing; clear storm drains to reduce refreeze puddles.

• For Friday shoppers, expect slick lots early; wear traction footwear and carry items carefully on icy surfaces.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving 2025 will be a tale of narrow but intense lake-effect snow bands and widespread blustery winds. Cleveland’s east-side snowbelt and west/central Michigan are primed for disruptive travel, while New York City contends more with wind than snow—but upstate New York may see full-on whiteouts. Heed NWS alerts, plan extra time, and pivot travel plans to safer windows when possible.