Warm Thanksgiving Ahead: Cold Snap Fades

The frigid conditions gripping the eastern United States are predicted to recede by mid-November, with warmer weather becoming widespread across most of the country east of the Rockies by November 20th. This shift promises a milder Thanksgiving week, with above-average temperatures expected for much of the nation, though the Far West will likely remain cooler. Meteorologists do not foresee significant storms, which should help prevent major travel disruptions during the holiday period.

However, pockets of potential travel challenges remain. Rain and thunderstorms are anticipated along the southern tier of the U.S. and in California, with snow at higher elevations. The Northeast is expected to start the week dry but may see increased rain later. While New York City's Thanksgiving Day parade should be dry, a morning chill is possible. The southern Plains, including Oklahoma and Texas, might see their first freeze, and parts of the South could experience heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Travelers heading through Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas early in the week should be aware of potential heavy rain and severe thunderstorms. The Midwest and Ohio Valley are generally forecast to be warmer and mostly dry, with Chicago expecting a high near 51 degrees for its Thanksgiving parade. Later in the week, colder air could reach the Great Lakes, bringing possible snow showers.

In the West, storms from the Pacific may bring rain to Oregon and Northern/Central California, with snow expected at higher elevations in western mountains like the Sierra Nevada. Despite the overall mild outlook, some localized rain and cooler conditions are possible in the Southeast and Gulf Coast regions on Thanksgiving Day itself.