A wave of Arctic air will cross the US during Thanksgiving travel, according to CNN Weather. The temperature decline will spread south and east mid-week, with the Rockies and Plains already feeling the chill.
Millions accustomed to warmer holiday week weather will feel a major change, CNN Weather stated. By Thursday, temperatures will run 10 to 25 degrees below average across much of the central and eastern US. Highs only in the 20s and 30s are expected for the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes on Thanksgiving.
Blustery winds will accompany the temperature change, increasing the cold feel, CNN Weather noted. Parts of the Northern Plains anticipate single-digit wind chills. New York City parade attendees need to bundle up despite sunny skies, with Chicago gusts up to 35 mph making 30s highs feel like the 20s.
Lake-effect snow is possible in Great Lakes areas on Wednesday and Thursday as cold air moves over warmer water. CNN Weather warns narrow snow bands could cause localized travel difficulties. Farther south, highs in the 50s from northern Texas to the Carolinas will be a shock after last week's 70s and 80s.
New York City will see temperatures fall into the 40s late Wednesday, with strong northwest winds continuing through Thanksgiving morning. Kylie Cooper/Reuters reported parade decorations were installed on Monday. Crowds at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will shiver in 30s wind chills. Gusts could reach 20 to 30 mph, requiring a firmer grip on the balloons, but the weather is expected to be dry with sun.
The cold will push deep into the South by Friday morning. A freeze or strong frost is possible for Atlanta, Birmingham, Memphis, parts of Mississippi, and the Carolinas, CNN Weather detailed. Gulf Coast cities will dip into the 40s, requiring preparation for sensitive plants and outdoor pipes.
A second, potentially stronger surge of Arctic air may arrive late in the Thanksgiving weekend or early next week, CNN Weather reports. This could bring another round of below-average temperatures to the Rockies, Plains, and parts of the Midwest to start December.
ABC News reported that AAA projects $81.8$ million people will travel during the Thanksgiving holiday period, from November $25$ through December $1$. This record number is a $1.6$ million person increase over last year's travel volume.
Despite a $43$-day government shutdown causing massive flight cancellations just weeks prior, airlines do not expect any residual holiday impacts, ABC News noted. Thanksgiving Day falls on Thursday, November $27$.
The AAA anticipates $6$ million domestic air travelers, a $2$% rise from $2024$. Aviation analytics firm Cirium named Sunday, November $30$, as the busiest air travel day, with $3$,$280$,$652$ domestic seats scheduled. However, flight bookings for November $26-30$ are $3.3$% lower than $2024$, possibly due to the shutdown's uncertainty, ABC News cited.
American Airlines plans over $80$,$000$ flights, with Sunday, November $30$, being its busiest. United Airlines expects its largest Thanksgiving traveler count ever. United warned that its busiest days are forecast to be Sunday, November $30$, Saturday, November $29$, and Monday, December $1$.
Major US hubs like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport are predicted to be the busiest, according to Hopper.
Road travel will involve at least $73$ million people, or nearly $90$% of all travelers, AAA predicts. Car rental costs will be $15$% cheaper than last Thanksgiving.
