Thanksgiving 2025 Winter Storm Forecast: What Travelers Need to Know

As millions of Americans prepare to travel for Thanksgiving 2025, meteorologists are tracking multiple storm systems that could significantly disrupt holiday plans across the United States. With nearly 82 million people expected to hit the roads, rails, and skies during what AAA calls the busiest travel period of the year, understanding the forecast has never been more critical.

Two Major Storm Systems Targeting Thanksgiving Week

Weather forecasters are monitoring two distinct storm systems that will impact different regions during the crucial travel days surrounding Thanksgiving. According to AccuWeather meteorologists, these systems have the potential to bring everything from heavy rain and thunderstorms to significant snowfall and gusty winds across large swaths of the country.

The first storm system is expected to develop on Monday, November 24, bringing rain to the southern Plains before tracking into the Southeast and potentially affecting the mid-Atlantic or Northeast through Tuesday. This timing is particularly concerning, as AAA reports that Tuesday afternoon represents one of the most congested travel periods before Thanksgiving Day.

Southern States Brace for Extended Rainfall

Long-range forecasts show strong agreement that the South will experience several days of rain, with major airport hubs like Dallas Fort Worth International and Houston's George Bush Intercontinental likely to see delays. The Weather Channel reports that the potentially worst day for early Thanksgiving travel is actually Friday, November 21, when a low-pressure system could cause chaos across the Gulf Coast with heavy rain in the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys and the Central Plains.

Northeast and New England: A Mixed Bag of Conditions

For travelers in the Northeast, the forecast presents a more nuanced picture. The Weather Channel indicates that a frontal system moving through the region on Friday could bring wintry precipitation to Interior New England and the high elevations of the Green and White Mountains. However, temperatures may not be cold enough for widespread snow, potentially creating slippery, icy conditions on highways instead.

By Wednesday, November 26, the storm system is forecast to bring mostly rain across the Northeast, tracking toward the Atlantic coast by Thanksgiving Day itself. Northern New York state and northern New England may experience a period of snow or snow showers Thursday morning, with accumulations varying significantly by location.

Snowfall Predictions for Northern Regions

AccuWeather forecasts indicate that parts of northwestern Pennsylvania, Upstate New York, and northern portions of Vermont and New Hampshire could receive 1-3 inches of snow, while some areas of Maine might see up to 10 inches of fresh powder. Most of the Northeast, however, is expected to remain rain and snow-free on Thanksgiving Day, with the exception of these northernmost areas.

Western United States: Significant Winter Weather Expected

The second storm system will impact the Pacific Northwest starting Monday, bringing rain and colder conditions before diving across the country by midweek. The Weather Channel reports that this system will bring rain and mountain snow to the Southwest, including Southern California and the desert Southwest, as it pushes inland earlier in the week.

According to FOX Weather, an area stretching from Missouri to Texas will likely see rain on Wednesday into Thanksgiving Day, with the potential for snow where colder air can establish itself. However, forecasters note that early guidance leans toward more rain than snow, though confidence remains low regarding the exact setup or severity.

Post-Thanksgiving Storm Threats

Holiday travelers shouldn't breathe easy after Thanksgiving Day passes. From Black Friday through Saturday night, another large storm system coming from the west is set to bring wind, rain, ice, and snow to most of Pennsylvania and Upstate New York, while the rest of the Northeast will experience frigid temperatures.

On the back side of the Thanksgiving storm system, gusty winds are forecast to spread from the Great Lakes into the Northeast, potentially impacting air travel at major airports. These powerful winds could also disrupt high-profile events like Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City and Philadelphia's Dunkin' Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade, potentially grounding some iconic balloons.

Travel Impact and Major Airport Concerns

Multiple major airport hubs across the country could experience significant delays throughout the holiday week. The Weather Channel identifies the following airports as potentially impacted on various days:

• Friday: Atlanta, New York, Boston, Washington, Dallas, Los Angeles, Seattle
• Saturday: Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Seattle
• Sunday: Dallas, Houston, Seattle
• Monday and Tuesday: Dallas, Houston, Seattle, Chicago, New York City, Atlanta, Washington, D.C.

With AAA reporting that 89% of Americans heading out for the holiday will travel by car and only 7% will fly, highway conditions will be critical. Weekend travel on Saturday is looking relatively clearer overall, with less precipitation across the country, though rain could still impact a swath from eastern Texas to Delaware.

Historical Context and Regional Variations

The timing of the first measurable snowfall varies dramatically across the Northeast. According to the Northeast Regional Climate Center, while Vermont and Maine have seen snow as early as late September in prior years, the average date ranges from October to late December depending on location. Newark, New Jersey, typically sees its first measurable snow around November 9, while Philadelphia doesn't usually see accumulation until December 19.

Old Farmer's Almanac Predictions

The Old Farmer's Almanac calls for "sunshine in much of the East" on Thanksgiving Day itself, with rainy conditions in the West and some snow limited to a few northern tier states, including New England. The publication forecasts that New Jersey and the Atlantic Corridor will experience cooler than average temperatures by the holiday, though conditions should remain bright and dry, suggesting "smooth travel and pleasant conditions without rain or snow delays."

Central Florida's Unique Weather Shift

While much of the focus remains on northern winter weather, Central Florida is experiencing its own dramatic weather transformation. According to Times Now, the region is shifting from warm, dry conditions to a more tumultuous winter pattern as Thanksgiving approaches.

A powerful cold front sweeping down from Canada will bring a wide band of rain and thunderstorms across Central Florida late in the week around November 27. This weather pattern change will commence with a warm spell just before Thanksgiving, where temperatures may soar 10 to 20 degrees above normal, reaching highs in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit, before the cold front drops temperatures significantly.

Preparing for Winter Travel Disruptions

Travelers should take several precautions to minimize weather-related disruptions during the holiday period. Monitor weather forecasts closely in the days leading up to departure, as storm tracks and intensity can shift. Consider traveling during off-peak times if flexibility exists in your schedule, particularly avoiding Tuesday afternoon when road congestion typically peaks.

For those driving, ensure vehicles are prepared for winter weather conditions. Check tire pressure and tread depth, test windshield wipers, and pack an emergency kit including blankets, water, non-perishable snacks, and a flashlight. Allow extra time for travel, especially in areas expecting wintry precipitation or heavy rain.

Air travelers should build buffer time into their itineraries, consider purchasing travel insurance, and download airline apps for real-time flight updates. Check-in online as early as possible to improve rebooking options if delays or cancellations occur.

Looking Beyond Thanksgiving: December Weather Patterns

As December approaches, forecasters predict temperatures may rebound, potentially returning to spring-like conditions. However, the second week of December could bring severe thunderstorms and tornadoes as jet stream energy combines with cold fronts, raising concerns for residents across the Midwest and Southern states.

The Old Farmer's Almanac winter forecast for 2025-2026 calls for conditions that are "mostly mild—with pockets of wild," though most of New Jersey and similar latitude regions should see "milder and drier" conditions with most snow falling around the holidays and late winter.

Final Thoughts for Holiday Travelers

While Thanksgiving 2025 presents multiple weather challenges for travelers, staying informed and prepared can help mitigate disruptions. The good news is that most of the East Coast should enjoy relatively pleasant conditions on Thanksgiving Day itself, with the most significant impacts occurring in the days before and after the holiday.

Weather patterns remain somewhat uncertain this far in advance, and forecasters emphasize that storm tracks, intensity, and precipitation types can still shift considerably. Travelers should continue monitoring updates from reliable sources like the National Weather Service, AccuWeather, and The Weather Channel as their departure dates approach.

Despite the forecast challenges, the vast majority of the 82 million Americans planning to travel for Thanksgiving will reach their destinations safely. With proper planning, flexibility, and attention to weather updates, this Thanksgiving can still be a time for family gatherings and gratitude, regardless of what Mother Nature has in store.