Thanksgiving week in the United States is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year, as millions of Americans journey to be with family and friends. However, this year, winter storms are poised to throw a wrench into those plans, potentially causing significant disruptions across the country. Travelers should brace for potential delays and hazardous conditions as a series of weather systems are expected to bring snow, rain, and strong winds to various regions.
The initial weather system, an upper-level trough drawing in subtropical moisture, is forecasted to impact the West Coast early in the week. Central and Southern California are expected to feel the effects starting Monday, November 25th, and continuing through Tuesday, November 26th. This moisture plume, driven by a surface-level low, will primarily target coastal areas and the Sierra Nevada. Lower elevations in the southern Sierra, below 2,440 meters (8,000 feet), are at risk of flash flooding on Monday. The heavy rainfall in these mountainous areas also raises concerns for rockslides, mudslides, and debris flow, further complicating travel in the region.
Temperature forecast map showing cold air mass over the US, indicating potential winter storms disrupting Thanksgiving travel.
Higher elevations of the southern Sierra Nevada are bracing for significant snowfall. Forecasts predict 0.9 to 1.2 meters (3 to 4 feet) of snow by Wednesday morning, November 27th, with some isolated areas potentially receiving even greater accumulations. As midweek approaches, this moisture plume is expected to shift eastward, impacting the interior western United States.
The Intermountain West and Colorado Rockies are also in the path of winter weather. Snowfall of 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 inches) is anticipated, with isolated areas potentially seeing up to 7.6 cm (3 inches). Snow showers are also possible in parts of the Great Basin early in the week. For those traveling along the I-25 corridor, snow accumulations of around 5 cm (2 inches) are expected by Monday morning. Combined with reduced visibility, these conditions could create challenging and potentially dangerous driving conditions. Denver’s weather will progressively worsen, with high temperatures dropping from 7 °C (mid-40s °F) on Monday to 0 °C (low 30s °F) by Wednesday. While Thanksgiving Day itself might bring a slight chance of snow, clearer skies are expected to return by Friday, November 29th, offering some relief to travelers later in the week. Cold temperatures are expected to persist throughout the week across the region.
Moving eastward, light rain showers are predicted across the Ohio Valley and Upper Midwest. Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin may even see some snow on Monday, adding to the widespread nature of the winter weather system.
Tuesday will bring localized rain to the Northeast, with light to moderate rainfall expected throughout the day. While rain is anticipated along the entire East Coast, this particular system is not expected to be severely disruptive in this region. Northern New England could receive up to 25 mm (1 inch) of rain, while southern New England is likely to see 12.7 mm (0.5 inch) or less.
However, the weather picture becomes more concerning from late Tuesday into Wednesday. Snowfall is predicted to intensify, especially across mountain passes and even at lower elevations. Strong winds, gusting up to 56 km/h (35 mph), are expected to accompany the snow, creating hazardous driving conditions due to blowing snow and reduced visibility.
Weather forecast map displaying precipitation and mean sea level pressure across North America, highlighting potential storm systems affecting Thanksgiving travel.
Wednesday, November 27th, traditionally the busiest travel day of Thanksgiving week, is expected to see the most active weather across the central states and Rockies. Weather.com meteorologists caution that “Snow could impact travel in Colorado and Utah, including Denver. Meanwhile, a developing wave of low pressure could bring rain to the mid-Mississippi Valley and parts of the Ohio Valley. There might be a sliver of snowfall or wintry mix on the northern fringe of that rainfall.” While the East and West Coasts may experience drier conditions on Wednesday, the central part of the country will bear the brunt of the disruptive weather. Windy conditions are also expected across the Upper Midwest as the primary storm system moves through the Rockies, bringing rain and snow showers. Rain is also anticipated in the Southern Plains on Wednesday, with accumulating snowfall continuing in Colorado and Wyoming.
Looking towards the end of Thanksgiving week, a large storm system is predicted to develop and impact the Northeast. This storm is expected to intensify on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28th, spreading rain across a large area encompassing the South, Ohio Valley, and Mid-Atlantic states. Light snow may even develop on the northern edges of this system late on Thanksgiving Day. The Northeast is expected to feel the full force of this storm on Friday. While the precise details are still being forecasted, potential scenarios range from rainstorms with snow in higher elevations to a significant coastal storm that could heavily impact southern New England.
Travelers across the United States should closely monitor weather forecasts and be prepared for potential disruptions due to these winter storms hitting the U.S. during Thanksgiving week. Flexibility and patience will be key for navigating holiday travel this year.
References:
1 Short Range Public Discussion – WPC – November 25, 2024
2 Thanksgiving Weather Travel Forecast: Here’s A Look At Where Rain, Snow Could Interrupt Plans – Weather.com – November 25, 2024
3 Thanksgiving Week Weather in Colorado: Snowstorm to Disrupt Travel Starting Tuesday – Country Herald – November 24, 2024
4 Large storm could impact northeast around Thanksgiving. Here’s what we know. – CBS – November 24, 2024
