Americans preparing for Thanksgiving travel this year will need to pack patience along with their luggage. Nearly 82 million people are expected to journey at least 50 miles from home for the holiday, according to projections from AAA. That figure represents a 2% increase from last year’s record of 80.2 million travelers, making this the busiest Thanksgiving travel season on record.
The vast majority of these holiday travelers, approximately 73.3 million, will hit the roads in their cars, while another 6 million plan to fly to their destinations. Unfortunately for many of them, weather conditions are shaping up to create significant challenges across multiple regions of the country throughout the travel period.
Friday brings the worst conditions for early travelers
Anyone hoping to beat the crowds by leaving early may want to reconsider their strategy. Meteorologists are calling this Friday potentially the worst day for Thanksgiving travel, with multiple weather systems creating problems across large swaths of the country.
The Gulf Coast faces the threat of storms, while the Mississippi and Ohio valleys along with the Central Plains could see heavy rainfall that makes driving conditions hazardous. The central Rockies are dealing with lingering snow that could create treacherous mountain passes for those attempting to cross.
Northeast travelers aren’t getting off easy either. Inland New England and the high elevations of the Green Mountains and White Mountains are forecast to receive wintry precipitation. The conditions may be particularly dangerous because temperatures are hovering right at the freezing point, creating slippery, icy roadways rather than straightforward snow.
Out west, a storm system moving onshore will bring rain to lower elevations and mountain snow to the Southwest, potentially snarling traffic on major routes. Major airport hubs including Atlanta, New York, Boston, Washington, Dallas, Los Angeles and Seattle could all experience weather-related delays and disruptions.
Weekend conditions improve slightly
Saturday brings a modest improvement in overall conditions, though precipitation will continue affecting a corridor stretching from eastern Texas up through Delaware. The southern Appalachian Mountains near Tennessee and the Carolinas are expected to receive the heaviest rainfall, which could slow traffic considerably in those areas.
The West Coast situation begins to calm down on Saturday, with only some lingering showers remaining from the previous day’s storm system. Airport hubs in Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston and Seattle may still face weather impacts.
Sunday’s forecast shows the Southern Rockies experiencing rain and mountain snow, while light rain is possible across the southern Plains and Tennessee Valley. The Pacific Northwest will continue dealing with rain and mountain snow as another system moves through the region.
Thanksgiving week brings dramatic temperature drops
As Thanksgiving week arrives, different parts of the country will face distinct weather challenges. The western United States will see cold air pushing from the Northwest into the Rockies early in the week, bringing snow and gusty winds along with it. By week’s end, temperatures in the northern Rockies could plunge to as much as 20 degrees below average.
Southern California might catch a break with only a weak Santa Ana wind event expected on Thanksgiving Day itself. Recent rainfall has reduced wildfire concerns in the region, providing at least one piece of good news for travelers in that area.
The central United States faces rain and potential thunderstorms from the Plains to the Midwest early to midweek. Strong winds and blustery conditions will follow these systems. Around Thanksgiving Day, temperatures throughout the entire region are forecast to nosedive, with the cold extending all the way down to the Texas Gulf Coast.
Those planning to head home during the second half of the week should pay special attention if their route takes them north of Interstate 70. Snow and blowing snow could create serious travel issues in those areas.
Eastern regions see multiple storm systems
The Northeast starts the week dealing with a cold front bringing breezy winds along with rain and snow showers. Another storm system is expected to arrive right around Thanksgiving Day, delivering rain to the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic while the Northeast experiences snow showers.
By the end of Thanksgiving weekend, the entire eastern region can expect rain and much colder temperatures. Areas in the snow belts should prepare for breezy winds and lake-effect snow that could make post-holiday travel particularly challenging.
AAA expects Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon before Thanksgiving to be the absolute busiest times on the roads. Travelers hoping to avoid the worst congestion should plan accordingly, though they’ll need to weigh traffic concerns against weather conditions when deciding on departure times.
Source: Kate Murphy, Yahoo! News