The holiday season is upon us, and the FOX Forecast Center is closely monitoring the weather as Thanksgiving approaches, impacting millions of travelers across the U.S. Most Americans are expected to reach their Thanksgiving destinations with little difficulty, although conditions may worsen towards the end of the week when many begin their journeys home.
Approximately 80 million people are anticipated to travel at least 50 miles during Thanksgiving, with the busiest travel days being the Tuesday and Wednesday before the holiday, and Sunday after.
As we head into Thanksgiving week, the West Coast is preparing for additional rain and mountain snow. Following a recent atmospheric river event, the region is bracing for the remnants of low-pressure systems that will bring more precipitation. Travelers, especially in the higher elevations of the Cascades and Sierra Nevada, are advised to exercise caution due to expected snowfall in these areas.
In contrast, lower elevations will primarily see rain, particularly along the Interstate 5 corridor which stretches from California to Washington. Central California could receive significant rainfall, with some areas expecting up to 5 inches. While flash flooding is not a major concern at this time, disruptions at major airports, including Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, are likely.
This winter weather system will continue eastward into the Rockies, potentially strengthening and bringing more variability in precipitation for cities like Salt Lake City and Denver by midweek.
In addition, a storm moving from the Plains into the Great Lakes region may impact travel as it travels northeast. Although this storm is expected to be milder than previous systems, Winter Weather Advisories have been issued for parts of the Upper Midwest and northern New England. While cities like Chicago may avoid the brunt of the snowfall, winds may cause some travel delays.
By Thanksgiving Day, a more powerful winter storm is predicted to sweep into the Northeast, bringing a mix of rain and potentially heavy snowfall to inland areas, particularly affecting travel for those returning home after the holiday. Further complicating travel, a cold front is set to bring rain and thunderstorms to the Southeast.
As we move past Thanksgiving, the forecast indicates a significant drop in temperatures across much of the U.S., with frigid air expected to sweep down from Canada, bringing below-average temperatures, especially to the northern Plains.
Despite the weather challenges, the holiday season serves as a reminder of togetherness and the joys of gathering with loved ones, and many are likely to make it through the weather-related disruptions. Planning ahead and staying informed can ensure safe and memorable holiday travels.
In summary, while the weather poses potential challenges this Thanksgiving, the spirit of the season remains strong, with many travelers looking forward to reconnecting with family and friends.