As Thanksgiving approaches, millions in the United States are gearing up to celebrate under challenging weather conditions. Heavy rain, snow, and a frigid Arctic front are set to impact much of the continental U.S. throughout the extended holiday weekend.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings about an existing storm in the west, which could dump up to 35 inches of snow in Colorado. This has already led to the closure of roads and highways in the Denver and Boulder metropolitan areas, according to reports from EFE.
Utah, Wyoming, and the rest of the Rocky Mountains are also in the storm's path before it moves eastward toward the Mississippi Valley and states like Tennessee and Ohio. This weather system is complicating travel plans for roughly 80 million people, as stated by the American Automobile Association (AAA). A significant surge in road and air travel is anticipated, particularly after the holiday, coinciding with Black Friday shopping events.
Snowfall and Rain Pose Risks in the Northeast
Cities in the Northeast and Midwest, such as Cleveland and parts of New England, could see snowfall of up to 7 inches, creating hazardous driving conditions. Meanwhile, in the Southeast and Northeast, rain is expected to drench cities like New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington, making for a particularly wet Thanksgiving.
In the central regions, an Arctic front will plunge temperatures to unusually low levels for November, reminiscent of January winter peaks. Chicago, for instance, is expected to see temperatures drop to 30°F (-1°C), with the chill extending to Montana, Nebraska, and the Dakotas, affecting more than 190 million individuals by Saturday.
Travel Alerts and Precautions
These weather conditions pose significant challenges to travel and traditional celebrations, prompting authorities to advise caution for those traveling by road or air. In contrast, Florida is forecasted to enjoy pleasant conditions, especially in the southern part of the state, as predicted by NOAA.
The day began with comfortable temperatures around 59°F (15°C) at dawn, though dense fog could be an issue in some southwestern areas. As the day progresses, temperatures are expected to rise to a high of around 81°F (27°C) with mostly sunny skies, according to NOAA. This favorable forecast offers a stark contrast to the adverse conditions affecting other parts of the country, providing residents and visitors in southern Florida with an ideal setting for outdoor festivities.
Record-Breaking Thanksgiving Travel
The 2024 Thanksgiving holiday is anticipated to be a milestone in the U.S., with an estimated 79.9 million individuals traveling to celebrate. AAA data indicates a record-breaking trend, with numbers reflecting a 2% increase from the previous year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
For example, Miami International Airport is preparing to welcome 1.9 million passengers over the holiday period, averaging 157,000 travelers daily, marking a 2% rise compared to last year's record figures.