Thanksgiving Weekend Travel Weather Forecast: Two Winter Storms in the North, Rain and Storms in the South and East

Thanksgiving week has arrived, but weather conditions may disrupt plans in several regions, particularly over the weekend. Heres the latest forecast and key travel information.

Travel Advisory

Travelers should stay alert for weather-related delays. Expect slower traffic and potential disruptions on Saturday in the central U.S., and on Sunday in the Eastern states. For highly detailed updates, local 15-minute forecasts are available through premium services.

Airports Likely to Experience Delays

• Dallas-Ft. Worth (possible late flights)
• Kansas City (possible late flights)
• Chicago
• Detroit
• Houston
• Minneapolis-St. Paul
• St. Louis
• Atlanta
• Boston
• Denver (possible late flights)
• New Orleans
• New York City
• Orlando
• Philadelphia
• Pittsburgh
• Washington, D.C.

Lake-Effect Snow

Lake-effect snow will continue in the eastern Great Lakes region, creating hazardous road conditions. Northern New England may also see some lighter snow showers.

Northern Plains Snow

Winter Storm Bellamy is spreading snow from Montana into the Northern Plains, reaching the Dakotas and Missouri Valley. By Friday night, snow will extend into Iowa, southern Wisconsin, and western Illinois, creating slippery roads.

Southern Storms

Showers and thunderstorms are expected Friday afternoon and evening from eastern Kansas and western Missouri through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, and western Louisiana. Heavy rainfall may cause flight delays at Dallas-Ft. Worth and Kansas City.

Midwest Winter Conditions

Bellamy will bring extensive snow to the upper Mississippi Valley and Great Lakes, resulting in slippery roads and significant flight disruptions, particularly in Chicago. Saturday night, snow will move eastward into the Ohio Valley and eastern Great Lakes.

South Threats

Heavy thunderstorms and rain will affect the South, including Oklahoma, Texas, and the Mississippi Valley, potentially causing flash flooding and impacting flights at Dallas-Ft. Worth and Houston. Already saturated ground increases the risk of flooding.

Eastern Weather

As Bellamy moves east, most precipitation along the I-95 corridor will be rain, which may still lead to major flight delays at key East Coast hubs.

Northeast Snow

Snow is possible in interior Northeast regions, while lake-effect snow may continue in the Great Lakes, creating difficult travel conditions.

Southeast Showers

Some showers, potentially with isolated thunder, are expected from Virginia and the Carolinas down to the northern Gulf Coast.

Rockies Snow

Snow may develop in the central and southern Rockies. By Sunday night, snow could reach the adjacent High Plains, including Colorado, western Kansas, northern New Mexico, and parts of the Texas Panhandle and western Oklahoma. Some showers could occur as far west as Arizona.

Author's Analysis: Thanksgiving Travel Faces Major Weather Disruptions

The approaching Thanksgiving weekend will bring widespread travel challenges across the United States. Winter Storm Bellamy is the central factor, impacting multiple regions with snow, rain, and thunderstorms. Travelers should anticipate delays and adjust plans accordingly.

In the Midwest and Great Lakes, heavy snow will create hazardous driving conditions, particularly in Chicago and surrounding areas. Lake-effect snow in the eastern Great Lakes and lighter snow in northern New England will further complicate road travel.

Airports in Dallas-Ft. Worth, Kansas City, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, and several East Coast hubs are likely to see flight delays due to both snow and heavy rainfall. Travelers are advised to monitor local 15-minute forecasts for real-time updates.

The South and Southeast face heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, increasing the risk of flash flooding and flight disruptions. Already saturated ground heightens these risks, particularly in Texas, Oklahoma, and the Mississippi Valley.

As Bellamy moves east, precipitation will transition to rain along the I-95 corridor, potentially affecting major East Coast airports. Meanwhile, the Rockies and adjacent High Plains may see accumulating snow, creating additional challenges for weekend travel.

Overall, weather conditions this Thanksgiving weekend will significantly impact both road and air travel. Travelers should prepare for delays, check local forecasts, and allow extra time for safe travel.

Sources:

• Thanksgiving Weekend Travel Weather Forecast: Back-To-Back Winter Storms For North, Rain, Storms In South, East