Thanksgiving outlook: Rain, storms and possible snow could disrupt holiday travel plans for millions
While it's still early, forecasters have higher confidence than usual in the long-range forecast models.
Thanksgiving week weather outlook features rain and possibly snow
We're just two weeks from Thanksgiving, and we're taking a look at what the forecast holds for the Lower 48 as millions travel for the holiday. While it's still early, forecast models show that the West will be wet and the East should dry out just in time for Thanksgiving Day.
THE TAKEAWAY
- The East will see wet weather in the days leading up to Thanksgiving.
- The West is likely to see rain, storms and snow in some places for their holiday.
- Forecasts will become more detailed as we get closer to Thanksgiving.
In just two weeks, millions of people will be traveling across America for Thanksgiving week, and early forecasts show rain, storms and snow could dominate the forecast.
While it's still early, forecasters have higher confidence than usual in the long-range forecast models.
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 28: The traditional Thanksgiving bird float leads the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade as large balloons, including Minnie Mouse, follow behind on a rainy day in New York, United States on November 28, 2024 (Fatih Aktas/Anadolu / Getty Images)
Monday through Wednesday
In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, a dip in the jet stream rolling out of the West will bring increased chances of storms moving across the Eastern half of the country.
The Plains to the Eastern Seaboard are likely to see at least one day of wet weather between Monday and Wednesday, with the strongest signal for rain currently across the Mississippi Valley up toward the Great Lakes.
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Thanksgiving week precipitation outlook Monday, Nov. 23 to Wed., Nov. 25. (FOX Weather)
If the air is cold enough, the FOX Forecast Center said the Great Lakes could see some lake-effect snow.
Temperatures in the East are expected to be nice and above-average.
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On the West Coast, storms rolling in off the Pacific Ocean will bring some rain early in the week, especially from Northern California up through Seattle.
Between these two systems, mostly dry conditions are expected across the Intermountain West. The FOX Forecast Center said the only thing to watch for would be the possibility of higher-elevation snow.
Temperatures in the West are forecast to be cooler-than-average for Thanksgiving week.
Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday
By Thanksgiving Day, forecast models show the system that was impacting the East to move offshore just in time.
Behind the storm, high pressure will build into the East, limiting rain chances for nearly all areas east of the Rockies, the FOX Forecast Center said.
Thanksgiving week precipitation outlook Thursday, Nov. 26 and Friday, Nov. 27. (FOX Weather)
Meanwhile, the West is likely to continue seeing showers and mountain snow, which is forecast to expand further inland, spreading deeper into the Intermountain West.
As we get closer to Thanksgiving, FOX Weather will continue to bring the most up-to-date forecast.