Thanksgiving Storm Threats: Midwest to Northeast Weather Forecast
A storm is forecasted to move through parts of the Midwest and South on Wednesday night and spread to the East on Thanksgiving Day. Cold air will also enter the United States, affecting travel plans.
The storm’s exact path is uncertain. This uncertainty will determine where snow will fall during the holiday and where there will be wet conditions. Two potential scenarios are developing, both likely to disrupt last-minute travelers.
In the first scenario, the storm will form in the plains on Wednesday and strengthen as it moves east. It will become more powerful Wednesday night, bringing rain from the Midwest to the South. The storm will then shift northeast once it reaches the Appalachian Mountains, continuing along their spine on Thursday and tapping into cold Canadian air before reaching New England.
This path could bring heavy, wet snow to the higher elevations of the Northeast, while lower areas will receive rain. Wind speeds are expected to increase on Thursday, with gusts potentially reaching 30 mph to 48 mph, especially near the coast from the Carolinas to Southern New England. Strong winds may disrupt both air and road travel on Thanksgiving. The combination of wet weather and strong winds could also lead to downed trees and power lines.
The storm is projected to reach northern Maine by Friday morning and exit the U.S. shortly after, leaving drier but windy conditions for the East on Friday and into the weekend.
The second possible scenario suggests that heavier rain and wet snow risks will shift away from the Northeast, leading to a much wetter Thanksgiving for the Mid-Atlantic region. In this case, the storm would develop late Wednesday night around the Mississippi or Tennessee valleys and slowly move into the Mid-Atlantic overnight on Thursday.
What are the potential impacts of the upcoming storm on air travel during Thanksgiving?
Interview: Meteorologist Jane Thompson on Upcoming Storm Impacting Thanksgiving Travel
NewsDirector3.com: We’re joined today by meteorologist Jane Thompson, who specializes in severe weather patterns. Jane, there’s a significant storm system forecasted to impact many travelers across the Midwest, South, and eventually the East Coast on Thanksgiving. Can you provide an overview of what we can expect?
Jane Thompson: Absolutely. We’re tracking a developing storm system that will begin forming in the plains on Wednesday. This storm is set to strengthen as it moves eastward, bringing a mix of rain and snow to various regions, which will likely create hazardous travel conditions.
NewsDirector3.com: You mentioned the storm is uncertain in its path. How does this uncertainty play a role in the forecast?
Jane Thompson: The exact path of the storm is crucial because it dictates where snow versus rain will fall. There are two scenarios developing right now. The first scenario sees the storm intensifying as it moves from the plains into the Midwest, shifting northeastward as it approaches the Appalachian Mountains. As it does this, it will tap into colder Canadian air, resulting in heavy, wet snow for higher elevations, especially in the Northeast.
NewsDirector3.com: And how will this affect areas at lower elevations?
Jane Thompson: Lower elevation areas, particularly in parts of New England, will likely experience rain rather than snow. However, we expect increased wind speeds on Thanksgiving, with gusts ranging between 30 to 48 mph. This can lead to dangerous conditions, including potential power outages from downed trees and power lines, making travel particularly treacherous.
NewsDirector3.com: What advice would you give to those planning to travel on Thanksgiving Day?
Jane Thompson: Travelers should stay updated with the latest forecasts and consider altering their travel plans if possible. Given the likelihood of wet weather and strong winds disrupting both air and road travel, it would be wise to leave early or consider alternate routes. Checking with airlines for any potential delays or cancellations is also advisable.
NewsDirector3.com: When can we expect the storm to move out of the U.S.?
Jane Thompson: The storm is projected to reach northern Maine by Friday morning and is expected to exit the continental U.S. shortly after. This will leave behind windy conditions but much drier weather across the East, which will be a relief for post-Thanksgiving travel plans.
NewsDirector3.com: Thank you for your insights, Jane. As the storm approaches, we will be sure to keep our readers informed on any developments.
Jane Thompson: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial for everyone to stay safe and informed during these holiday travels.
Stay tuned to NewsDirectory3.com for continuous updates on this storm and its impact on holiday travel.
This trajectory would bring more rain to the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic on Thursday while limiting heavy rain and snow accumulation in the Northeast. The distance from the coast when the storm reaches the Atlantic on Friday will impact travel conditions afterward. A mix of rain and snow could develop in the Northeast if the storm stays close to the coast, potentially causing significant travel issues in the Boston area and along Interstate 95.
Regardless of the storm’s path, a surge of cold Canadian air will sweep across much of the U.S. The cold air will start to move in early this week, with a more widespread wintry air mass settling in by Thursday. Chicago may experience temperatures around 35°F on Thanksgiving, more typical for late December. Some parts of North Dakota could feel like January.
Millions will experience cold weather by Friday. High temperatures in the South, including the Gulf Coast, are expected to be 10°F or more below average, with some locations not reaching 60°F. Many areas in the central and eastern U.S. will see their coldest conditions so far this season over the weekend.
Cities like Philadelphia and New York could approach freezing temperatures over the weekend, a rarity since February. The incoming cold air will trigger lake-effect snow in the Great Lakes region, with possible snow enduring into next week.
This cold air is expected to linger in much of the East as December begins, potentially lasting into the first week of the new month.