Stormy Thanksgiving and Holiday Weekend Travel Forecast

> Multiple coast-to-coast storms could snarl some holiday travel plans 
 
> Severe thunderstorms are possible along the Gulf coast on Thanksgiving Day 
 
> A surge of cold air and fresh mountain snow could boost business for ski mountains in the Rockies and interior Northwest 

AccuWeather Global Weather Center – Nov. 19, 2024

AccuWeather long-range experts say back-to-back storms could complicate Thanksgiving travel plans, with more Americans expected on the highways and at the airports this year compared to last year.  

“Buckle up, we’re looking at a stormy pattern for Thanksgiving week. Some wet and wintry weather could slow down families traveling ahead of Thanksgiving,” said AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Expert Paul Pastelok. “We expect some rain in the center of country and thunderstorms along the Gulf coast on Thanksgiving Day. Cold rain and snow showers are in the forecast for parts of the interior Northwest and Four Corners region. Black Friday shoppers and families driving home after Thanksgiving could be dealing with rain and showers from the Gulf Coast and throughout much of the East Coast.” 

AAA expects holiday travel records to be shattered this Thanksgiving, with an estimated 79.9 million Americans traveling over the holiday weekend.  

Travel forecast before Thanksgiving 

AccuWeather long-range experts are forecasting some turbulent weather across the United States next week with multiple storms tracking coast to coast.  

Early travelers could encounter trouble this weekend with rain and mountain snow clobbering parts of the West Coast, as well as a slow-moving storm impacting the Northeast with gusty winds in addition to a mix of rain and snow showers. 

AccuWeather long-range experts say wet and slippery conditions could impact travel plans next Tuesday and Wednesday, which are expected to be the busiest travel days of the week.  

Pastelok says one storm over the eastern half of the country is forecast to spread rain and snow showers across the Great Lakes, while periods of rain are expected from Chicago and Detroit to Cincinnati and St. Louis.  

Another storm is forecast to barrel into parts of the West Coast, spreading rain and mountain snow across the Pacific Northwest and Northern California. Pastelok expects frequent travel delays in this region.  

The upcoming wintry blasts could add a boost to the early-season mountain snowpack, creating ideal skiing and snowboarding conditions in parts of the Sierra and Rockies.  

“The first atmospheric river of the season and recent storms will leave many mountains blanketed with fresh snow. This early wintry blast is helping some ski mountains in the West and the Northwest open early this year,” said Pastelok. “This is a great jumpstart to the season for them. We expect to see a good winter for skiers and snowboarders across much of the West and interior Northwest this season.” 

Soggy and slippery Thanksgiving  

Showers and thunderstorms are expected in the western and central Gulf Coast states on Thanksgiving Day, with rain possible in parts of the Mississippi and Ohio valleys.  

AccuWeather long-range experts are forecasting morning showers in parts of the coastal Northeast and New England, with flurries possible in parts of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire and upstate New York. 

AccuWeather long-range experts say rain and snow showers could slow travel plans across much of the Northwest and Four Corners region.  

Warm and dry conditions are expected across Florida and parts of the Southeast for Thanksgiving Day.  

“Air conditioners will be running across Florida on Thanksgiving Day,” said Pastelok. “It will be a warm Thanksgiving for millions of families across the Southeast.” 

Holiday weekend shopping and travel forecast 

Shoppers heading out to stores and malls for Black Friday sales could encounter wet weather across much of the eastern U.S., and colder weather across parts of the Upper Midwest and interior Northwest.  

AccuWeather long-range experts are forecasting thunderstorms and showers across the Gulf Coast and Southeast states, and periods of rain in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast over the busy holiday shopping weekend.  

Colder conditions are expected from the northern Plains and Upper Midwest to the interior Northwest. Flurries and snow are possible at times in Salt Lake City, Denver and Minneapolis. There is also a possibility of a rain and snow mix in the Northwest during the second half of the holiday weekend.  

“Pack a waterproof jacket or coat if you’re heading out shopping on Black Friday or during the holiday weekend. It could be wet across much of the eastern third of the country,” said Pastelok. “Bundle up if you’ll be out and about in the northern Plains and interior Northwest. It’s going to be downright cold over the holiday weekend. Make sure your tires are in good shape; you could encounter some snowy and slippery roads in the higher elevations.” 

AccuWeather Forecast Graphics

Additional AccuWeather Resources:

More storms with rain, mountain snow lining up for northwestern US  

Storm with wind, snow and some rain brewing for Midwest, East   

Sara moves into Gulf, set to bring heavy rain to South, Southeast   
 
AccuWeather Hurricane Tracker