Thanksgiving Travel Weather Forecast 2025

Thanksgiving 2025 Travel Forecast: Weather Watch for Holiday Journeys

As Thanksgiving approaches, millions of Americans are gearing up for annual holiday travel. However, a developing coast-to-coast storm system threatens to impact both road trips and flights across the country. Here’s your comprehensive weather outlook for Thanksgiving week, including potential delays and regional risks.

Weekend Travel Preview (Saturday-Sunday)

Saturday offers relatively clear conditions for most travelers, but morning showers and fog could affect East Coast hubs like Atlanta, Charlotte, and New York City. Meanwhile, Arizona’s Phoenix area faces desert thunderstorms with heavy rain and hail risks, potentially flooding arroyos.

By Sunday, Southern Plains from Texas to Nebraska will see thunderstorms with heavy rain and possible hail, threatening Dallas-Ft. Worth. The Pacific Northwest will experience light rain and mountain snow, while central New York and northern New England get light snow without major I-95 corridor disruptions.

Peak Travel Days: Monday-Wednesday

Monday brings rain from Texas to the upper Mississippi Valley, with possible severe thunderstorms and flooding. Mountain passes in the Northern Rockies and Cascades face snow and strong winds. Tuesday sees widespread rain across the eastern U.S. and potential wind-driven snow in the Northern Plains, while Wednesday (peak travel day) may feature lingering East Coast showers and early lake-effect snow in the Great Lakes.

Thanksgiving Day: Key Weather Concerns

On Thanksgiving itself, travelers should expect:

• Lake-Effect Snow: Heavy bands and whiteout conditions in northern/eastern Great Lakes (e.g., northern Michigan).
• Northeast Winds: Chilly crosswinds causing potential delays at Newark-Liberty Airport.
• Mountain Snow: Northern Rockies and High Plains blanketed in snow.
• Pacific Northwest Rain: Lingering showers and atmospheric river conditions in Washington/Oregon.

Major airports impacted include Newark, Seattle, and potentially Northeast hubs if morning showers persist.

"Lake-effect snowbands may last into Thanksgiving Day, leading to dangerous travel in Great Lakes snowbelts." - Weather.com

Travel Tips for Stormy Conditions

To navigate potential disruptions:

1. Monitor Forecasts Daily: Weather models evolve rapidly—check updates 48-72 hours before travel.
2. Flexible Scheduling: Opt for morning flights to avoid afternoon storms in the East/Southwest.
3. Winter Prep: Pack tire chains for mountain passes and download offline navigation.
4. Flight Buffers: Add 2-3 hours to layovers at storm-prone hubs like Dallas or Seattle.

While weather challenges exist, proactive planning can ensure smoother journeys. Whether you’re braving lake-effect snow or desert thunderstorms, stay informed and prioritize safety over speed this Thanksgiving.

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