It’s almost time to “go over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house.” It seems every year we tell you that the days leading up to Thanksgiving get busier and busier on the ground and in the air. Fortunately this year the weather is looking good for most of the country.
The Bluegrass and the Rest of Kentucky
We are tracking a “speed bump” in an overall pleasant week. Monday will feature scattered showers. Sprinkles, maybe a stray shower will linger into Tuesday morning. High pressure will quickly take over, and do it’s job to dry things up and clear out those stubborn clouds. The improving conditions will come just in time for that busy travel day on Wednesday. We are also tracking temperatures to response to the increasing amounts of sunshine. Highs will go from the low 40s on Tuesday, the low point, to the low to mid 50s on Thanksgiving and Black Friday.
This isn’t just the story or Lexington or the Commonwealth. Terrific weather for traveling Wednesday and Thursday will be seen in almost every corner of the US. Sunshine will rule the skies in the Rockies, through the Great Plains and the Midwest, and across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. Flights from the Bluegrass to major airports in DC, Charlotte, Atlanta, Chicago, and Denver shouldn’t be delayed on Wednesday. Other parts of the country will feature could feature some tricky travel.
The Northeast
A clipper system will be tracking across Lake Huron and Lake Erie. This will spread lake-effect snow showers across northeast Ohio, northern Pennsylvania, upstate New York, and part of New England. Slick road conditions and reduced visibility will likely greet travelers through these parts. Drivers on I-80 and I-90 should be prepared for passing snow bursts. Airports in Boston and New York look to be spared. But if you’re flying into Cleveland, the runway could be icy.
Florida
Are you spending Thanksgiving with Mickey and the gang? An old cold front could spark afternoon showers and thunderstorms Wednesday afternoon along Florida’s east coast. This shouldn’t be enough to slow you down. Just typical activity for an afternoon in the Sunshine State.
Texas
A trough of low pressure in the Gulf could send showers as far north of Dallas on Wednesday. The rain will affect travelers near Houston and Gulf Coast more than around DFW. If you’re flying into or through Dallas, you may want to keep an eye on the flight board.
West Coast
And finally, are you taking a trip out west? California will finally get some much needed rain on Wednesday. Rain won’t just be confined to California. A cold front will bring wet weather up-and-down the West Coast. The concern here is the amount of rain that will fall in a short period of time. Some areas in central California could receive five or more inches of rain through Friday. Some of these spots included areas that have been ravaged by wildfires. Heavy rainfall over burn scares could lead to flash flooding concerns.
Safe travels if you’re traveling for the holiday. And I hope you have a happy Thanksgiving with your friends and family, whether you’re celebrating the day near or far!
