Thanksgiving Travel: Storm systems crossing the U.S. could cause travel delays

 

Several storm systems will traverse the U.S. through Thanksgiving Week bringing rain, snow, and cold to parts of the country.

DALLAS — While Texas will see up-and-down temperatures leading up to Thanksgiving, rain and significant weather look to stay out of the state.

So, travel in Texas – and especially North Texas – should be totally fine leading up to Thanksgiving and around the holiday.

A different story will unfold across the U.S. as multiple storm systems could affect travel plans nationwide. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect day-by-day:

Saturday

  • Rain systems affecting both the Pacific Northwest and Northeast corridors
  • Snow moving through the Northern Rockies region
  • Southeast experiencing dry conditions but cool temperatures
  • Generally favorable travel conditions across the Southern Plains and Southwest
image

Sunday

  • Snow continuing across parts of the Rockies
  • Rain persisting in the Pacific Northwest
  • Dry conditions holding across most of the central United States
  • Favorable travel weather throughout the Southeast and Gulf Coast
image

Monday

  • Snow pushing into the Upper Midwest and Northern Great Lakes
  • Rain developing across the Ohio Valley region
  • Active weather continuing along the West Coast
  • Southern routes remaining mostly clear and favorable for travel
image

Tuesday

  • Expanding snow coverage across the Rockies
  • Rain affecting both the Pacific Northwest and parts of the Northeast
  • Storm system bringing precipitation to the Great Lakes region
  • Southern routes continuing to offer the most reliable travel conditions
image

Wednesday (Day Before Thanksgiving)

  • Snow across the Northern Rockies and Upper Midwest
  • Rain system through the Southeast
  • Winter weather concerns around the Great Lakes
  • West Coast drying out and calming down
image

Thanksgiving Day

  • Ongoing snow in the northern states
  • Widespread rain across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic
  • Winter weather around the Great Lakes region
  • Generally favorable conditions in the Southwest
image

Friday

  • Significant cold in the northern Plains
  • Snow impacts around the Great Lakes
  • Rain along the East Coast
  • Improved conditions in the Southeast
image

Travel Strategy Recommendations

Best Travel Windows

  • Southern routes consistently offer the most reliable conditions throughout the week
  • Early morning flights likely to see fewer cascading delays
  • Saturday and Sunday showing generally better conditions than the peak Wednesday travel day

Airport Hub Considerations

  • Major northern hubs (Chicago, Minneapolis) may see winter weather impacts depending on the day
  • East and West coastal hubs facing rain-related delays
  • Southern hubs generally more reliable
  • Build in extra connection time at any northern hub airports