by Washington DC – With nearly 82 million Americans expected to travel during the Thanksgiving holiday, forecasters are warning that two storm systems next week could create delays on roads, rails, and in the skies.
The first system is predicted to form on Monday, November 24, bringing rain to the southern Plains as it moves into the Southeast and potentially affects parts of the mid-Atlantic and Northeast through Tuesday. AAA warns that Tuesday afternoon may see heaviest congestion, as travelers hit the roads before Thanksgiving Day.
While the storm’s exact path remains uncertain, long-range models suggest several days of rain in the South, which could impact major airports like Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Impacts in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast remain less certain.
Second System Brings Rain, Colder Air to Northwest
A second storm is expected to impact the Pacific Northwest starting Monday, eventually moving across the country by midweek. Areas from Missouri to Texas could see rain on Wednesday and Thanksgiving Day, with potential snow where colder air prevails.
Forecasters caution that “early long-range guidance leans toward more rain than snow, but confidence is low regarding the exact setup or severity,” according to the FOX Forecast Center.
Thanksgiving Day Outlook
Despite these systems, much of the West, Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast are expected to enjoy dry conditions on Thanksgiving Day. East Coast parades are likely to take place under mild, unseasonably warm temperatures, giving a last taste of fall before the colder winter pattern sets in by December.
Travelers are advised to monitor weather updates, plan extra travel time, and check for flight and traffic delays as these storms develop.
Are you traveling for Thanksgiving? Share your plans and any tips for navigating holiday weather delays in the comments below.
