Winter storm warnings are raising alarms ahead of Thanksgiving 2025 as millions of Americans prepare to travel. AccuWeather predicts rain, snow, and gusty winds across the Midwest, Northeast, and Great Lakes, creating potential for flight cancellations and road delays.
AAA forecasts record-breaking travel numbers, which could worsen the impact of the severe weather. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare for Thanksgiving week travel disruptions.
Thanksgiving Weather Forecast 2025
Millions of Americans are on the move for Thanksgiving 2025, but this year’s rush collides with powerful winter weather systems. Heavy snow, strong winds, and rain are sweeping across large regions of the country just as holiday travel peaks. The mix of bad weather and record-high traffic could make this one of the most challenging Thanksgiving travel periods in recent years.
AAA estimates that around 81.8 million people will travel at least 50 miles between November 25 and December 1, 2025, marking the highest number on record. About 73 million will travel by car, while roughly 6 million passengers are expected to fly.
According to AAA spokeswoman Aixa Diaz, highways will be heavily congested starting Tuesday, while airports will see long lines, full terminals, and possible delays or cancellations.
What the Weather Forecast Says?
Storm Systems, Snow and Rain Could Disrupt Travel
AccuWeather forecasts a mix of rain, snow, gusty winds, snow squalls, and fog across large parts of the United States, including the Midwest, Great Lakes, Northwest, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic. Meteorologists warn of heavy snow and hazardous road conditions in the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes region.
In the Pacific Northwest, rain and slick conditions are expected along the I-5 corridor, making travel hazardous during the busiest travel days.
Post-Thanksgiving Threat: More Snow
A second weather system is expected to form over the Plains after Thanksgiving, bringing more snow and wind as it moves east. Lake-effect snow is forecast in the Great Lakes region, while parts of the Midwest and Northeast could experience light to moderate snow or mixed precipitation.
This system could complicate return travel for those heading back through areas such as Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and New York.
Key Impact Areas: Roads, Airports, Highways
| Travel Mode | What Could Go Wrong | Regions Most Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Road travel | Slippery roads, snow-covered highways, poor visibility, traffic delays | Midwest, Great Lakes, Upper Midwest, Northwest, Northeast |
| Air travel | Flight delays or cancellations, airport congestion, connection issues | Major hubs in Chicago, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York, Washington D.C. |
| General congestion | Heavy traffic caused by record travel volume and weather delays | Nationwide, especially Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving |
Airlines and airports are preparing for the expected surge in passengers, but weather complications could easily disrupt schedules even with extra staffing.
Who Should Be Most Prepared?
Drivers traveling through snow-prone regions like the Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast should prepare for delays and dangerous conditions. Air travelers should expect long lines and possible cancellations at hub airports. Families traveling with children or elderly relatives are advised to add buffer time to their plans. Last-minute travelers should anticipate unpredictable delays and crowded routes.
Smart Travel Tips for Thanksgiving 2025
- Travel early in the day to avoid the worst traffic.
- Check weather forecasts and traffic updates frequently.
- Keep backup plans ready, including alternate routes or flexible travel times.
- Pack essentials such as warm clothing, blankets, snacks, and emergency supplies.
- If flying, monitor flight status and arrive early to navigate potential delays.
Why This Matters?
Even a few inches of snow or a short storm can cause hours of delays on busy travel days. The combination of record travel volume and winter weather raises the risk of nationwide disruptions. Families trying to reunite for Thanksgiving could face missed flights or hazardous road conditions.
Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said, “High winds, lake-effect snow, and rain squalls will create travel disruptions across the country,” emphasizing that even moderate weather events could have a large impact this year.
Current Conditions as of November 27, 2025
New storms are forming over the Plains and are expected to move toward the Midwest and Great Lakes. Snow and blizzard-like conditions are forecast in parts of Iowa, Minnesota, and Michigan. Lake-effect snow warnings are active around Lake Erie and Lake Michigan, while parts of Pennsylvania and New York could see light snow by Thanksgiving night.
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, most of the East Coast should see sunshine on Thanksgiving Day itself, though temperatures will be colder than average. Light snow could continue in parts of the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest, with clear skies expected along the Atlantic Corridor.
Winter 2025-26 Outlook
The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts a mostly mild winter for 2025-26, with intermittent snow and colder-than-normal periods in December, January, and February. Snowfall is expected to be near or below average for most regions, except in western Pennsylvania and the Great Lakes, where heavier snow is likely.
| City/Region | Average Snowfall (inches) | Last Season (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 18–24 | 8.1 |
| Pittsburgh | 30–36 | 30.4 |
| Poconos | 36–42 | 27.8 |
| Erie | 110–140 | 109.9 |
| Allentown | 17–20 | 17.8 |
The winter solstice for 2025 will occur on December 21 at 10:03 a.m. ET, officially marking the start of the season. The Old Farmer’s Almanac maintains an accuracy rate of around 80 percent but notes that unpredictable weather patterns can cause deviations.
FAQs
Will Thanksgiving Day be snowy across the country?
Not everywhere. Snow and rain are expected in parts of the Midwest and Great Lakes, while much of the East may experience cold but clear skies.
Will air travel be affected by the storms?
Yes, major delays and cancellations are possible, especially in cities like Chicago, Pittsburgh, and New York.
Is it safe to drive through the Midwest during the holiday?
Only if you are prepared with winter tires, emergency supplies, and extra time. Avoid non-essential travel in storm-affected areas.
When is the best time to travel?
Early Tuesday or Wednesday morning before Thanksgiving offers the best chance to avoid traffic and weather disruptions.
Will post-Thanksgiving travel be smoother?
Not necessarily. A second storm system could bring more snow to the Midwest and Northeast over the weekend.