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Lake-Effect Snow and Freezing Temps: Thanksgiving Travel Weather Forecast
Thanksgiving Travel Weather Forecast-Lake Effect Snow and Bitterly Frigid Conditions
Summary:
Travel Thanksgiving travelers can expect some nasty weather this year. Heavy snowfall, cold temperatures, and storm potential will affect millions of people during the early part of the week. Let’s look now at the week’s weather forecast and travel advisories.
Tuesday: Some Light Storms Across New England, Snow at Higher Elevations
The fast-moving front attached to the low will sweep across New England by evening on Tuesday. While most of the lower elevations remain dry, there will be some light higher elevation snows which could result in some slippery roads. Effect on Air Travel:- Delays are reported from Logan International Airport because of low cloud cover. Delayed same type of delays will visit other airports in the New York City region.
- Second Storm in the West U. S.:
- Heavy snow fell in the Sierra Nevada and Colorado Rockies. Condition worsens eastward from the west region, leaving Utah and Colorado with bad weather.
Above-level mountain areas could receive between 2 and 3 feet of snow in western Colorado.
Denver could also see some light snows (1-3 inches) but with temperatures in the 30s, no major travel disruptions are anticipated.
Wednesday: Clear Start but New Storm Brewing
Most of eastern America will see clear and calm weather on Wednesday, providing relief for last-minute travelers.
Preparing for a Storm in Central and Southern America
- Afternoon: A new storm will develop over the southern Plains and the Mississippi Valley.
- Night: Rain will spread from the central U.S. to the Appalachian Mountains.
- Sleet and snow could affect travelers early Thursday from Illinois to northern Pennsylvania and southern New York.
Pleasant Weather in the Western U.S.
Snowfall in the Rockies will end, and the western U.S. The weather will be dry and sunny from Wednesday through the weekend.
Thursday (Thanksgiving): Rain, Snow, and Freezing Cold
Thanksgiving Day will bring cold but dry weather across most of the U.S., with exceptions in the east where rain and light snow are expected in higher elevations.
- Eastern U.S.:
- Rain will blow from southeast to northeast.
- Light snow in northern New York and New England may lead to a few inches of accumulation.
- Impact on Travel:
- Wet roads and low clouds could reduce visibility.
- Delays may occur at some airports due to damp and cold conditions.
First Arctic Chill of the Season:
- The coldest Arctic air will reach the Northern Plains.
- Temperatures in the Dakota region could drop below freezing.
Friday and Weekend: Dry but Extremely Cold
Lake-Effect Snow:
After Thursday’s storm, Arctic air interacting with the warm waters of the Great Lakes will cause heavy lake-effect snowfall.
- Likely Impacted Areas:
- Interstate 90 from Cleveland to Buffalo.
- Interstate 81 north of Syracuse.
- Effect on Transportation:
- Poor visibility and deep snow can cause road closures.
Coldest Morning of the Season:
Friday morning temperatures will plummet below zero in the Dakotas and other north-central regions.
- Cities like Philadelphia and New York may see temperatures drop into the 30s for the first time since February.
- Along the Gulf Coast, temperatures will be 10 degrees below average.
Cold Weather to Persist Into December
According to the Weather Prediction Center, this cold weather pattern may continue into early December, lasting through the first week.
Conclusion:
This year, Thanksgiving travel will be challenging due to heavy snowfall, wet roads, and freezing winds. Travelers are advised to plan ahead, exercise caution on the roads, and prepare for inclement weather.
Q.1. What is lake-effect snow?
A.1 Lake-effect snow occurs when cold Arctic air passes over the warmer waters of the Great Lakes. The temperature difference causes moisture from the lakes to rise, condense, and fall as heavy snowfall, often affecting areas downwind of the lakes.
Q.2. How will lake-effect snow impact Thanksgiving travel?
A.2 Lake-effect snow can lead to hazardous road conditions, reduced visibility, and significant accumulation in affected areas like Buffalo, Cleveland, and Syracuse. Travelers should anticipate delays and possible road closures.
Q.3. Which regions will face the coldest temperatures?
A.3 The Northern Plains, Midwest, and parts of the eastern U.S. will experience the coldest temperatures, with some areas dropping below zero in the Dakotas and reaching the 30s in cities like Philadelphia and New York.
Q.4. What areas are most likely to see travel disruptions?
A.4 Highways: Interstate 90 (Cleveland to Buffalo) and Interstate 81 (north of Syracuse) are likely to experience snow-related issues. Airports: Airports along the Eastern Seaboard, including those in Boston, New York, and Philadelphia, may face delays due to low visibility and poor weather conditions.
Q.5. Will the weather improve by the weekend?
A.5 While the snowstorm is expected to ease by Friday morning, lake-effect snow will persist near the Great Lakes. However, most areas will see clear but freezing conditions throughout the weekend.
Q.6. Are there safety tips for traveling during this weather?
A.6 For Road Travel: – Carry emergency supplies like blankets, water, and a flashlight. – Check tire conditions and maintain a full tank of gas. – Avoid unnecessary travel in areas with heavy snowfall. – For Air Travel: – Monitor flight statuses regularly. – Arrive at the airport earlier than usual.
Q.7. What should I expect if traveling in the Northeast?
A.7 The Northeast will see rain and light snow on Thanksgiving Day, especially in northern New York and New England. While major flooding is unlikely, slick roads and visibility issues could pose challenges.
Q.8. How long will the Arctic cold last?
A.8 The cold temperatures are expected to persist through the holiday weekend and into the first week of December. This includes areas across the central and eastern U.S.
Q.9. Is this weather unusual for Thanksgiving?
A.9 While Thanksgiving often sees varied weather, this year’s combination of lake-effect snow, freezing temperatures, and Arctic air is particularly harsh and may feel colder than average for many regions.
Q.10. Where can I find the latest weather updates?
A.10 For real-time updates, refer to reliable sources such as: – The National Weather Service (NWS) – Local news channels – Weather apps like AccuWeather or The Weather Channel Staying informed will help ensure safe travel during Thanksgiving.
