Weather Woes Hit Thanksgiving Travel Plans
This Thanksgiving season, millions of travelers are gearing up for more than just turkey and stuffing. If you’re planning to hit the roads or take to the skies, **buckle up** because Mother Nature has some serious weather in store. From snow to chilly temperatures, and even stormy conditions, it looks like travel could be a bit of a challenge for many.
The East Coast’s Soggy Surprise
As we edge closer to Thanksgiving Day, travelers along the East Coast should prepare for some **wet and sloppy conditions**. A storm is brewing in the southern Plains and Mississippi Valley, expected to spread rain right up into the Appalachians. This means that as travelers head out for their Thanksgiving feast, they might face some **sneaky slick spots** on the roads, especially in places like Illinois and northern Pennsylvania where rain could mix with snow.
Boston Logan Airport Already Experiencing Delays
On Tuesday afternoon, Boston Logan International Airport felt the effects of the weather, with flights delayed due to low clouds. If you’re flying in and out of major airports in the greater New York City area, expect potential delays as well. Even without widespread travel issues, it’s best to check your flight status beforehand.
Western States Dealing with Snow
Meanwhile, the western states aren’t getting off easy either! The second **atmospheric river-fueled storm** in just a week is pouring in snow from California’s Sierra Nevada to the Colorado Rockies, with some regions expected to receive up to **3 feet of snow**. Yes, you heard that right—3 feet! That could make for some **really tough driving conditions** in western Colorado as heavy snow continues into Wednesday.
Thanksgiving Chaos Ahead!
As we shift into Thanksgiving Day, it looks like folks in the **Northeast** will have to **weather the storm**. According to meteorologists, Thursday could be the **messiest day** of all, leading to a rather soggy Thanksgiving. Rain will stretch from the Southeast all the way to New England, with some areas even dealing with light snow. So if you’re crossing your fingers for a perfectly sunny turkey day, it might be time to adjust your expectations.
Brace for the Cold
In addition to the rain, a **cold blast of Arctic air** is set to sweep through many states, bringing the coldest temps we’ve seen since February. Travelers in the Northern Plains can expect morning lows to plummet below zero! Hard to believe if you’ve been basking in warm autumn days, but it’s true. Chicago is going to struggle to get above the mid-30s, while parts of North Dakota might not even hit the teens.
Friday and the Weekend Woes
After Thanksgiving, travelers need to be aware of potential disruptions due to lake-effect snow, particularly in areas downwind of the Great Lakes. Heavy snow might cause **difficult-to-impossible travel** in parts of New York and Pennsylvania. So for those heading home post-feast, be prepared to take it slow.
Looking ahead, the cold air is going to linger, with many experiencing their **coldest conditions of the season**. Forecasts tell us that this chilly weather might stick around through the beginning of December, wreaking havoc on holiday plans for many.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! This Thanksgiving, prepare not just for family gatherings but also for a significant dose of Mother Nature’s unpredictability. Whether you’re flying, driving, or simply staying cozy at home, stay informed and be ready for whatever the weather brings. Safe travels and happy Thanksgiving!

Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.