Millions of Americans preparing for the 2026 Thanksgiving holiday on November 26 face a divided meteorological map across the United States. The long-range outlook released on Thursday (15) by The Old Farmer’s Almanac, based on predictions from its 2027 edition, indicates a combination of rain, sunshine, and snow across its 18 national forecast regions. While parts of the East Coast and the Pacific Northwest will deal with wet roads, travelers in the High Plains and Desert Southwest will see dry, sunny skies. The publication relies on historical data and meteorological analysis to guide families and motorists during the late-November holiday.
Regional weather variations directly shape road logistics and flight schedules across the country. The American Automobile Association (AAA) ranks Thanksgiving as the busiest travel period of the year, with the vast majority of commuters traveling by car rather than commercial aircraft. While six of the 18 regions carry a chance of snow at some point during the holiday week, rain is the primary weather factor for Thanksgiving Day itself across major eastern population hubs.
- Forecast regions with snow potential during Thanksgiving week: Northeast, Atlantic Corridor, Appalachians, Lower Lakes, Upper Midwest, and Alaska.
- Regions expecting Thanksgiving Day rain: Northeast, Atlantic Corridor, Southeast, Florida, Heartland, Pacific Northwest, and Hawaii.
- Areas with Thanksgiving Day sunshine: Appalachians, Deep South, High Plains, Desert Southwest, and Pacific Southwest.
The publication divides the country into 18 distinct zones to track shifts between the pre-holiday commute on Monday, November 23, and the return trip over the ensuing weekend.
Rain and mild temperatures across the Northeast and Atlantic Corridor
In a shift from typical freezing late-November patterns, the Northeast and the Atlantic Corridor—stretching from Boston through New York to Washington, D.C.—are forecast to see rain and mild temperatures on Thanksgiving Day. However, chilly air is expected both before and after Thursday, November 26, creating a window for snow showers in northern New England and the northern sections of the Atlantic Corridor for travelers staying through the weekend.
Warm showers in the Southeast and split conditions in the Appalachians
The Southeast, including states such as Georgia and South Carolina, along with Florida, will experience warm temperatures accompanied by rain during the holiday period. Meanwhile, the Appalachians are projected to have sunny skies and warm conditions on Thanksgiving Day, though snow showers are possible in the northern mountain sections prior to the holiday and again over the weekend. In the Deep South, dry and sunny skies will pair with cool temperatures, favoring outdoor family gatherings.
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Snow showers in the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes travel corridors
The Upper Midwest stands out as the primary continental region forecast to see snow directly on Thanksgiving Day, accompanied by colder-than-normal temperatures. Flurries and snow showers are projected for cities including Minneapolis, Duluth, and International Falls in Minnesota, as well as Green Bay in Wisconsin and Marquette in Michigan.
Farther east, the Lower Lakes region faces unsettled weather throughout the entire week, with a mix of rain and snow forecast along the corridor connecting Buffalo and Syracuse in New York with Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago, and Milwaukee. In the Ohio Valley, temperatures will start warm before turning cool, accompanied by a mix of rain and sun, while the Heartland expects cool rain. Because of the wintry mix around the Great Lakes, The Old Farmer’s Almanac issued a direct recommendation for drivers in the Lower Lakes zone. “Give yourself plenty of time for holiday travel,” the publication stated in its regional guidance.
Sunny skies in the Plains and Southwest contrast with Northwest rain
Across the western and central United States, weather conditions divide sharply between northern and southern corridors. The High Plains, the Desert Southwest, and the Pacific Southwest—including parts of California—will have sunny skies on November 26, with warm temperatures in the southern zones and cooler air in the northern half of the Pacific Southwest. In the Texas–Oklahoma region, warm air will prevail, paired with sunshine in the north and rain in the south, including South Central Texas.
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The Intermountain region will also experience warm conditions, split between rain in the northern areas and sun in the south, though high-elevation mountain passes in the West remain prime candidates for late-November snowfall. Conversely, the Pacific Northwest will deal with mild temperatures and steady rain. Outside the contiguous states, Hawaii expects mild rain, while Alaska will see mild rain in the Panhandle and snow with chilly temperatures across the rest of the state.
Highway and airport logistics during the November holiday rush
With AAA projecting packed interstate highways and busy airport terminals, wet pavement in the East and snow showers in the northern tier require advance planning from motorists. Rapid temperature drops predicted for the weekend following Thursday, November 26, could turn wet roads icy for the return commute across the Northeast, the Appalachians, and the Great Lakes.
Checklist for drivers and flyers heading out for the holiday
- Monitor local weather updates and road conditions before departing for the November 26 holiday.
- Pack cold-weather clothing and emergency kits when traveling through the Upper Midwest, Lower Lakes, or northern mountain passes.
- Map out alternative highway routes in regions forecast to receive snow showers or heavy rain, particularly along the Interstate 90 and Great Lakes corridors.
- Inspect vehicle tires, brakes, battery, and wiper fluids to ensure cars are winterized for sudden temperature drops over the post-Thanksgiving weekend.
