Christmas is a peak travel season, with millions journeying to be with loved ones. If you’re among the 112 million Americans planning holiday travel, understanding the Christmas Travel Weather Forecast is crucial. This year, travelers in the Southern and Eastern U.S. should prepare for potential disruptions due to a significant rainstorm. While a white Christmas might be off the cards for many, navigating travel headaches caused by rain will be a key concern this week.
This weather system, anticipated to intensify by Thursday – predicted to be the busiest travel day according to AAA – shares similarities with recent storms, bringing substantial rainfall but minimal snow or ice to the eastern states. For those embarking on holiday trips, expect crowded conditions, with AAA reporting a 4.4% increase in travelers compared to last year, marking the highest holiday travel volume since they began tracking.
Rain is expected to spread from the Southeast through the Mid-Atlantic and into the Ohio Valley on Thursday, according to weather.com reports. Florida could also experience severe thunderstorms, potentially causing flight delays in major airports like Tampa, Orlando, and Miami. AccuWeather meteorologist Maura Kelly highlights the risk of flooding in the Southeast, particularly in regions already saturated from previous rainfall.
Holiday travel looks rainy this season
Soggy weather will persist along most of the East Coast into Friday, affecting the Northeast and New England regions. Travelers heading to or from these areas should be prepared for potential delays and adjust their plans accordingly. By Saturday, the storm is expected to move out, promising clearer conditions for travel across the East Coast.
Meanwhile, the Northwestern U.S. faces its own weather challenges. A series of storms are predicted to bring rain and snow to the region throughout the week and into the weekend. Coastal areas of Washington and Oregon could see significant rainfall, potentially reaching 5 to 8 inches, as reported by weather.com. Travelers in the Pacific Northwest should stay updated on local forecasts and prepare for possible travel disruptions due to these conditions.
The central and southwestern U.S. are expected to remain mostly dry this week, offering smoother travel conditions for those in these regions.
Regarding temperatures, a generally mild week is anticipated nationwide, with above-average temperatures likely across the country. The forecast indicates a low probability of a significant cool-down before Christmas, diminishing chances for a widespread white Christmas. This means that while travelers might escape snow-related delays in many areas, rain will be the primary weather factor to consider when planning and undertaking christmas travel.
In conclusion, this year’s christmas travel weather forecast suggests a predominantly wet holiday season for many parts of the US, especially the East and Northwest. Travelers are advised to stay informed about the evolving weather conditions, factor in potential delays due to rain and storms, and prioritize safety while traveling during this busy Christmas period.
