Key Highlights
- The weather forecast for Thanksgiving travel is expected to include significant storms moving through the Central U.S. by the start of the week.
- Around Monday, rainfall will be concentrated from Dallas to Des Moines, potentially affecting Chicago by Monday night.
- By Wednesday, inclement weather will spread to much of the East Coast, impacting travel and flights across major airports.
- Travelers should be prepared for potential flight delays, especially in regions prone to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.
Thanksgiving Travel Forecast: Weather Impacts Your Holiday Journey
The holiday season is officially underway with Thanksgiving travel kicking off across the United States. As millions of Americans prepare to hit the road or board planes for their annual feasts, a significant weather system looms on the horizon, promising to impact travel plans.
Storm System Moving Through Central U.S.
According to the latest forecast from Sara Tonks, a content meteorologist with weather.com, a storm system is expected to move into the central United States by the start of this week. This system will eventually spread to much of the eastern part of the country by Thanksgiving Day.
Monday’s Weather Conditions: Rain and Thunderstorms
Monday brings heavy rainfall from Dallas to Des Moines, with thunderstorms expected in parts of Texas into Oklahoma and possibly southern Nebraska. These conditions could lead to flight delays out of the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, as well as some flooding concerns given recent record rainfall in the region.
Travel Implications for Major Airports
The forecast highlights potential travel disruptions at major airports across the country:
- Dallas, Little Rock, Memphis, and Kansas City may experience significant weather impacts on Monday.
- A soaked central region from Texas to the upper Mississippi Valley will see rain, with some severe storms in areas southward from Missouri.
- The Northwest could face both snow and strong winds, making travel conditions treacherous over mountain passes.
Thanksgiving Day and Beyond: More Storms Looming
Thanksgiving Day sees bands of heavy lake-effect snow in the northern and eastern Great Lakes. These storms could be accompanied by strong winds, leading to localized whiteout conditions. Meanwhile, nagging winds will persist in the Northeast, posing additional challenges for travelers.
The weather forecast emphasizes the importance of staying informed as conditions can change rapidly. Travelers are advised to check forecasts frequently and plan accordingly to avoid potential delays or cancellations.
