Americans preparing to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday can expect a mix of regional weather conditions ranging from snow showers in parts of the Midwest to milder sunshine across the Southeast, according to the Farmers’ Almanac. The publication’s outlook for November 23 through November 26 indicates typical late-fall weather patterns with no major nationwide storm projected to dominate the holiday travel week.
Thanksgiving falls on November 26, drawing millions of travelers onto roads and into airports. While forecasters note that a sweeping meteorological system is not anticipated, localized precipitation and dropping temperatures could still create travel hurdles in specific corridors.
Established in 1818, the Farmers’ Almanac generates its long-range forecasts up to 16 months in advance utilizing a proprietary formula that evaluates planetary positions, tidal action, and sunspot activity. Alongside weather predictions, the publication provides seasonal advice, gardening calendars, and lifestyle tips.
Regional forecasts issued by the publication outline specific conditions across the United States for the holiday week.
In the Northeast and New England, travelers can anticipate cool and mostly fair weather. Northern sections and higher elevations may experience light snow flurries, though overall conditions remain favorable for holiday transit across states including New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.
Conditions turn more winter-like in the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, and Midwest. States such as Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, and Wisconsin face potential scattered snow showers or flurries. While severe winter storms are absent from current projections, localized snowfall could create slippery roads and sluggish transit.
Conversely, the Southeast offers favorable weather for outdoor activities, road trips, and holiday gatherings. The region—spanning Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida—is expected to experience mild, mostly dry conditions with abundant sunshine.
Across the North Central region, including the northern Plains and Rocky Mountains, late-November chill will dominate. Parts of the northern Plains and higher elevations in states like Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana may encounter light snow and freezing temperatures that complicate driving.
The South Central states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico anticipate typical late-November weather. Inland sectors may experience cooler air, alongside lower temperatures in western sections and higher elevations, though widespread storms are not currently foreseen.
In the Northwest, the Pacific Northwest can expect traditional late-fall rainfall. Washington, Oregon, and Idaho drivers are advised to check local conditions and allow extra travel time to account for wet roads and potential rain-related slowdowns.
Finally, the Southwest faces a varied weather picture across California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. The region will see cooler overall temperatures, accompanied by potential rain in Northern California and light snow in select mountain passes, requiring caution from motorists navigating elevated terrain.
