Thanksgiving week marks one of the busiest travel periods of the year — and 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most chaotic in recent memory. As millions of Americans pack cars, trains, and planes to reunite with loved ones, a volatile weather pattern is unfolding across the nation.
From the snow-packed roads of Minnesota to heavy rain in the Pacific Northwest and gusty winds along the East Coast, travelers are being warned to expect significant disruptions from Tuesday through Thanksgiving Day.
AccuWeather meteorologists predict that a combination of high winds, heavy rain, fog, and Arctic cold will collide just as holiday travel peaks, making this one of the most challenging Thanksgiving travel periods in years.
National Thanksgiving Week Weather Overview
Before diving into regional details, here’s a quick look at what travelers across the U.S. can expect this Thanksgiving week.
Thanksgiving 2025 Weather Overview by Region
| Region | Main Weather Threat | Travel Impact | Travel Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midwest (MN, WI, MI) | Heavy snow, 40+ mph winds | Flight delays, icy roads | Major disruptions expected through Thursday |
| Northeast (PA, NY, MA) | Rain early week, gusty winds late week | Airport delays, parade wind concerns | Improving by Thursday evening |
| Great Lakes | Lake-effect snow bands | Whiteouts, poor visibility on interstates | Dangerous road conditions |
| South (AL, GA, FL) | Severe thunderstorms, isolated flooding | Short-term air delays | Minor disruptions |
| Pacific Northwest (WA, OR) | Heavy rain, fog, mountain snow | Slick roads, I-5 delays | Worsening Wednesday–Thursday |
| Rockies & Interior West | Snow and fog | Reduced mountain pass visibility | Hazardous driving midweek |
| Southwest | Dry, mild | No major issues | Good travel weather |
| Central Plains | Cold, windy | Blowing snow possible | Moderate disruptions |
Widespread Travel Delays Build Ahead of Thanksgiving
Tuesday, Nov. 25: Storms Sweep Across Central and Eastern U.S.
By Tuesday, an expansive storm system spread across the nation’s midsection, bringing rain to the Northeast and snow to parts of the Midwest. Severe thunderstorms erupted across Alabama and Georgia, generating damaging winds and localized flooding.
Meanwhile, fog and torrential rain slowed traffic and delayed flights across the south-central U.S., while snow showers created slick conditions across Montana, Idaho, and the interior Northwest.
“This is the classic Thanksgiving setup — a massive, multi-day storm stretching coast to coast,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Paul Buckingham. “It’s not one region that’s affected — it’s nearly the whole country.”
Wednesday Night: The Peak of Travel Trouble
Wind to Rage in the Midwest, Lake-Effect Snow Expands
By Wednesday night, the nation’s travel arteries — highways, railways, and airports — will face the worst of the weather.
Strong winds behind the storm will sweep across the Midwest and Northeast, with gusts over 40 mph likely in cities such as Minneapolis, Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland.
In the wake of near-blizzard conditions across Minnesota and northern Wisconsin, blowing and drifting snow will reduce visibility and block secondary roads. Temperatures are expected to drop 15–20°F below average, with even steeper declines across the upper Midwest.
Wednesday Night Weather Hazards by Region
| Region | Primary Hazard | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Midwest (MN, WI, MI) | Blowing snow, 40+ mph winds | Road closures, flight delays |
| Great Lakes | Lake-effect snow bands | Poor visibility on I-75, I-79, I-80, I-81, I-86, I-90 |
| East Coast | Showers, gusty winds | Sporadic airport delays (NYC, Boston, Philly) |
| Pacific Northwest | Heavy rain, fog | Slow travel on I-5, flight delays in Seattle and Portland |
“Airline delays will spike as winds increase across the Great Lakes region,” Buckingham said. “Buffalo could see some of the strongest gusts, with power outages possible Wednesday night into Thursday morning.”
Thanksgiving Day: Trouble Zones Shift North and West
By Thursday, Nov. 27, the storm’s worst effects will be confined mainly to two zones, which are the Great Lakes region and the Pacific Northwest, while much of the central and southern U.S. experiences calmer but colder weather.
Great Lakes Snow Squalls
Heavy lake-effect snow will surge inland from Lakes Michigan, Erie, and Ontario, blanketing parts of Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. Some areas may receive up to 12 inches of accumulation, with whiteout conditions along major interstates.
Northwest Rain and Mountain Snow
The second major storm of the week will hit the Pacific Northwest on Thanksgiving Day, continuing the pattern of rain along the I-5 corridor and snow in the northern Rockies and Cascades.
“While snow levels will rise above the major passes, rain and fog will still create hazardous conditions for drivers,” Buckingham noted.
Thanksgiving Day Travel Impacts
| Region | Primary Weather | Travel Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Great Lakes | Heavy lake-effect snow | Road closures, reduced visibility |
| Pacific Northwest | Rain, fog, mountain snow | Slick roads, flight delays |
| Florida | Spotty thunderstorms | Brief flight disruptions |
| Northeast (NYC, Boston) | Gusty winds, dry skies | Parade wind concerns |
Thanksgiving in New York City: Parade Winds Could Ground Balloons
While New York City will avoid rain or snow on Thanksgiving Day, gusty winds could cause trouble for the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Meteorologists warn that wind gusts in Manhattan may reach 30–40 mph, forcing balloon handlers to keep the giant inflatables lowered to street level for safety.
“The wind tunnels through the city’s avenues, especially west to east,” said AccuWeather meteorologist Bernie Rayno. “Balloon crews will have their hands full keeping those inflatables under control.”
For paradegoers, the cold will bite: RealFeel temperatures are expected to linger in the 30s, occasionally dipping into the 20s, making warm layers essential for spectators lining the streets early in the morning.
Airlines and Highways Brace for Disruptions
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects record-breaking travel volumes, with over 30 million passengers passing through U.S. airports from Tuesday to Sunday.
Airlines have issued travel waivers for several hubs, including O’Hare (Chicago), Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Seattle-Tacoma, allowing passengers to rebook without penalty.
Meanwhile, AAA projects over 55 million Americans will travel by car, with I-95, I-80, and I-5 seeing the heaviest congestion.
“If you can shift your plans — leave earlier in the week or travel later in the day on Thanksgiving — you’ll likely avoid the worst of it,” advised AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross.
Safety Tips for Travelers
- Check forecasts regularly: Conditions may shift rapidly, especially near the Great Lakes.
- Pack emergency kits with blankets, snacks, and phone chargers for long drives.
- Allow extra airport time — at least 3 hours for domestic flights during the peak window.
- Avoid night travel in snow-prone areas where visibility can quickly deteriorate.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving 2025 will test the patience of even the most seasoned travelers. A sprawling storm system will bring nearly every form of weather — from snow squalls and high winds to drenching rain — just as millions of Americans hit the road and sky.
While most regions will see calmer conditions by Thursday evening, travelers across the Great Lakes and Pacific Northwest will still contend with wintry challenges.
For everyone else, a warm meal and calmer skies may be the best reward for weathering this year’s stormy journey home.
FAQs
Wednesday, Nov. 26, is expected to bring the most widespread travel disruptions nationwide.
No, NYC will remain dry, but strong winds could affect outdoor events like the parade.
Heavy snow is expected around the Great Lakes — especially western New York, northern Ohio, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Some delays are possible, particularly in the Midwest and Northwest, though conditions will improve in most other regions.
Behind the front, temperatures will fall 15–20°F below seasonal averages across much of the eastern U.S.
