National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) maps highlight which parts of the U.S. could potentially see snow during the Thanksgiving period.
Why It Matters
The forecast maps offer a chance for Americans to plan ahead for the busy holiday week, with the American Automobile Association projecting that nearly 82 million people will travel up to 50 miles from home from November 25 to December 1.
What To Know
According to an outlook from the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) for the November 26 to December 2 period, there is a “slight” 20 to 40 percent chance of heavy snow across parts of Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah from November 26 to 28.
From November 28 to 30, states that could see heavy snow include parts of the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and New Jersey, according to the map.
A graphical forecast from the National Weather Service (NWS) for Thanksgiving Day showed that states including parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York could see snow (as of 12 p.m. EST).
Another CPC forecast, this time for the November 30 to December 6 period, showed that the states with the highest chances (40 to 60 percent) for heavy snow included parts of central and western Colorado, southern Wyoming, and northern New Mexico.
Much of the Midwest and Northeast could also see heavy snow, though this was given a lower probability.
What People Are Saying
The Climate Prediction Center said in a post on X, Tuesday: “Increased risk for an active pattern and anomalous cold to impact Thanksgiving travelers. Above normal precipitation is favored for most of the Lower 48 States with below normal temperatures overspreading the West and Plains.”
The National Weather Service said in a post on X, Friday: “Are you one of the 80+ million planning to travel for Thanksgiving this year? Whether you are driving or flying, be sure to add ‘check the weather forecast at http://weather.gov’ to your to-do list!
“While we can’t control the weather, it can be a deciding factor in our travel plans (especially if you are driving). Plan accordingly and travel safe!”
What Happens Next
Forecasts are sometimes subject to change, and the NWS issues regular updates on its website and via its social media channels.
