Thanksgiving week weather forecast 2026: Which US regions could face snow and rain in 2026? Check forecast for East, MidWest, Rockies and more

Thanksgiving Day weather: In the United States, Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, so even ordinary weather can slow roads and airports. The Thanksgiving week weather forecast for 2026 suggests a typical late-November pattern, not a major storm. The Farmers’ Almanac long-range outlook for Monday, Nov. 23, through Thursday, Nov. 26, has predicted mostly cool, mostly dry weather in the Northeast and mild, sunny conditions in the Southeast. It expects snow showers across the Great Lakes, Upper Midwest, northern Plains and Rockies, and rain in the Pacific Northwest. Thanksgiving Day falls on Thursday, Nov. 26.

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This year's Thanksgiving forecast suggests:

• Rainy stretches in the Pacific Northwest
• Cooler, mixed conditions in the Southwest
• Cold late-November weather in the Plains and Rockies
• Scattered snow showers or flurries in the Great Lakes and Midwest
• Cool but mostly fair weather in the Northeast
• Mild, pleasant conditions across much of the Southeast
• Mostly seasonable weather in the South Central states

In short, it does not like a major nationwide storm will disrupt the Thanksgiving travel in the US.


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Thanksgiving Travel Weather 2026: Where Delays Are Most Likely

The Farmers’ Almanac sees no sign of a coast-to-coast disruption. The areas to watch are:

• Snow showers in the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes
• Light snow in the northern Plains and higher Rockies
• Wet roads from rain in the Pacific Northwest

Best Thanksgiving Weather 2026: Southeast and East Coast

If you’re travelling east of the Mississippi, the forecast looks friendly. The Southeast is expected to be mild and pleasant, with a good chance of dry weather and sunshine. The Northeast and New England are expected to see cool, mainly fair conditions. A few flurries are possible in northern and higher-elevation areas, but nothing suggests a major travel problem. A Farmers’ Almanac regional outlook describes the Atlantic Corridor from Washington, D.C., through Philadelphia and New York City as cool, crisp and sunny.

Thanksgiving Snow Forecast 2026: Midwest, Plains and Rockies

Colder, more wintry weather are likely to be experienced in the middle of the country. The Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and Midwest could see scattered snow showers or flurries. The forecast doesn’t show a blockbuster storm, but brief slowdowns could develop wherever rainfall happens.

The northern Plains and Rockies are expected to feel like late November. On the other hand, you can expect cold air and light snow in the northern Plains and the higher mountains. Drivers heading over mountain passes should build in extra time.

Pacific Northwest and Southwest Thanksgiving Forecast

The Pacific Northwest faces typical late-fall rain, so wet roads are the main concern from Washington to Idaho. The Southwest looks mixed and cooler overall, with some rain in Northern California and light mountain snow in parts of the interior West.

South Central Thanksgiving Weather: Mostly Seasonable

Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and New Mexico should see mostly seasonable late-November weather. Inland areas may run a bit cooler, and higher terrain in the west could be colder still. Widespread storminess doesn’t stand out right now.

How to Plan Around the Thanksgiving 2026 Forecast

The most useful move is to match your travel flexibility to your route. These tips follow from the regional picture above:

• Flying out of the Midwest or Rockies: Leave early in the week if you can, since snow showers can cause short delays at busy hubs.
• Driving through the Northwest: Expect rain and allow extra drive time.
• Heading to the Southeast: Conditions look favorable, so outdoor plans are reasonable.
• Hosting in the East: Expect cool, dry weather that works for guests arriving by car.