Thanksgiving Weather Updates: Arctic Blast to Hit Millions with Wind Chill Temperatures as Low as -40F
Posted on 11/27/2024
An Artic blast is set to plunge much of the U.S. into a deep freeze over the holidays, with wind chill in some regions dropping as a low as - 40 degrees F. The cold air will arrive in the Midwest and northern Plains by Thanksgiving, dropping the mercury below zero, before moving into the South and East through the holiday weekend, according to the NOAA National Weather Service (NWS). Wind chills in North Dakota will be as low as -40F. NWS warns that many Americans will be at risk of frostbite and hypothermia in such temperatures and urge anyone traveling to carry a winter survival kit. Heavy snow storms are also expected east of Great Lakes. FOX Weather meteorologist Bob Van Dillen told Newsweek, that the Great Lakes would get "blasted with snow" while he warned the East was in for an "active winter." Several states have issued weather warnings this week due to concerns about hazardous conditions.
Follow Newsweek's live blog for updates.
07:01 PM EST
Weather warning issued for Colorado as up to three feet of snow expected
A weather alert has been issued for part of Colorado as a winter storm is expected to dump up to three feet of snow by Wednesday afternoon.
The Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the northern, central, and southern mountains, while an avalanche warning is in place for the West Elk Mountains, Southern Sawatch Ranch, and Monarch Pass.
A Winter Weather Advisory is also in effect for part of Denver, where up to nine inches of snow if expected, between Tuesday at 11 p.m. and Wednesday at 5 p.m., according to First Alert.
06:45 PM EST
Multiple reports of car and truck crashes during icy weather
A dangerous combination of icy roads and freezing rain led to multiple crashes in Vermont today.
Multiple car crashes and "slide-offs" were reported on Interstate 89, including several tractor-trailers careening off road, WCAX News reports.
Vermont state police also reported accidents along Interstate 91.
06:21 PM EST
Incredible footage shows winter cold front meeting fall trees
A stunning video, shared by AccuWeather, captured the moment an icy cold front met the fall in New Hampshire.
Footage shows a clear line between the white, snow covered trees, and the colorful fall-leaf trees as the cold front passes across the state.
05:51 PM EST
Alaska braces for 50mph winds with chill factors as low as negative 20F
Alaska is bracing for powerful winds with wind chills as low as negative 20F this week.
The National Weather Service, in Anchorage, warned that strong winds of up to 50mph will be expected in Alaska's Southcentral through Friday.
"Wind chills could drop as low as -20 in some areas," forecasters said on X. "Stay warm and drive safe if you'll be traveling for Thanksgiving."
05:21 PM EST
Florida to plunge 40 degrees with new polar cold front
Florida will experience double-digit temperature drops statewide on Sunday and into next week after cooler air blanketed the state this past weekend.
A "polar cold front" is expected to bring the cooler temperatures on Sunday, with the coldest air hitting next week, according to Orlando TV station WKMG. Central Florida could see temperatures in the 30s, and areas northwest of Interstate 4 could experience freezing temperatures, the station said.
On Tuesday, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Melbourne, Florida, posted temperatures showing highs in the upper 70s and low 80s, noting on X (formerly Twitter) that this is "slightly warmer."
The Sunshine State will also face a marginal risk for severe weather on Thanksgiving, according to the NWS office in Tallahassee. The risk level is 1 out of 5 and is due to the cold front, the office said.
Read in full from Anna Commander on Newsweek.
05:13 PM EST
First Arctic blast of the season to hit over Thanksgiving
An Artic blast is set to plunge much of the U.S. into a deep freeze over the holidays, with some regions dropping as a low as negative 40 degrees F.
The NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) said that the cold air will arrive in the Midwest and northern Plains by Thanksgiving and move into the South and East through the holiday weekend.
"Temperatures are likely to be the coldest since mid-late February in the Northern Plains and Midwest," the NWS said in a statement.
"At the peak of the Arctic outbreak, minimum wind chills should fall below zero for much of the northern Plains and upper Midwest.
"Formidable lake-effect snow bands and snow showers will develop east and southeast of the Great Lakes resulting in significant accumulations and drifting snow in the hardest hit areas."
05:06 PM EST
Today and tomorrow are the worst days to travel for Thanksgiving
Today and tomorrow are the worst days to travel for Thanksgiving as a record-breaking 80 million Americans are expected to head home for the holidays, according to the AAA.
Winter storms across the country have caused more than 2,000 flight delays and dozens of cancellations today.
In Colorado, the National Weather Service (NWS) warns, "travel could be very difficult to impossible," as mountain regions expect up to 26 inches of snow.
Californians have received the same NWS warning as up to six feet of snow is expected in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Roads and bridges "will likely become slick and hazardous," NWS predicts.
The Midwest is also bracing for a winter storm this week which could create dangerous snowy road conditions while New England and the North East Coast is forecast to receive its first heavy snowfall of the year today, with a second set for Thanksgiving night. The worst times to travel over the holidays is this afternoon, and Wednesday afternoon. The best will be on Thanksgiving itself when roads are typically clear of traffic.
04:58 PM EST
Frostbite and hypothermia warnings as Arctic blast hits U.S. over Thanksgiving
The NOAA National Weather Service is warning that some Americans are at risk of hypothermia and frostbite as temperatures plunge over Thanksgiving.
"At the peak of the Arctic outbreak, minimum wind chills should fall below zero for much for the northern Plains and upper Midwest, the NWS Weather Prediction Center said.
"Wind chills across much of North Dakota will be below negative 15F with some areas as colds as negative 30-40F. This will post an increase risk of hypothermia and frostbite on exposed skin. Have a winter survival kit if you must travel."
03:35 PM EST
'Threat for heavy snow' increases
The National Weather Service has reported that the threat of heavy snow throughout the week is continuing to increase.
03:30 PM EST
Major New York roads may close Thanksgiving weekend for "significant" snow
National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists in the Buffalo, New York, office warn that an incoming winter storm could produce lake effect snow significant enough to close some major roadways this weekend.
The winter storm will likely hit as some people are readying to head home after Thanksgiving. Nearly 80 million Americans are expected to travel for Thanksgiving this year, the AAA reported.
Some New Yorkers who traveled for the holiday could encounter road closures on their drive back as inclement weather arrives this weekend.
Read the full story by Anna Skinner on Newsweek.
03:18 PM EST
Cold weather hitting Florida after Thanksgiving
A powerful polar cold front is forecast to pass across Central Florida on Sunday, December 1, bringing abnormally chilly air to descend the peninsula. The air arriving late this weekend is presently racing up northwest of Hudson Bay in Canada, starting from the Arctic Circle.
This front will bring temperatures in the 30s and 40s to Central Florida, with high 30s likely as far south as Osceola County. Monday and Tuesday mornings northwest of I-4 may see temperatures drop below freezing.
02:42 PM EST
Follow Newsweek's holiday travel blog
Follow Newsweek's holiday travel live blog for the latest updates and tips for your Thanksgiving journeys throughout the week.
02:25 PM EST
Wind blowing through Las Vegas today
There is a high wind warning in effect for Las Vegas, Nevada today along with a winter weather advisory through Wednesday.
02:06 PM EST
Cold weather could disrupt travel
An Arctic blast in the Midwest and damp weather in the Eastern U.S. may hinder travel during the next several days.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a storm system moving over the West Coast is expected to deliver significant snow to the Intermountain West on Wednesday, including the Colorado Rockies, the Bitterroot Range in Idaho and Montana, and Utah's Wasatch Mountains.
Forecasters predict sunny weather on Thanksgiving Day over the western two-thirds of the country, but a mix of rain and snow from Michigan and Ohio to New England.
01:58 PM EST
Tropical storm–force winds make Thanksgiving travel difficult in two states
Strong winds will gust through Colorado and New Mexico on Tuesday, creating difficult road conditions for Thanksgiving travelers.
Nearly 80 million people will travel for Thanksgiving this year, the AAA said, with Tuesday and Wednesday expected to be the busiest travel days. However, inclement weather could disrupt those on their way to visit their families.
On Tuesday morning, National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists issued a high wind warning in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. Wind gusts will be equivalent to a tropical storm and could cause hazardous conditions for motorists.
Read the full story by Anna Skinner on Newsweek.
12:51 PM EST
Great lakes to be hit with 'near-blizzard conditions'
A significant lake-effect snow event will begin during the long holiday weekend, with near-blizzard conditions threatening to close highways and bury communities in snow, Accuweather reports.
Local circumstances might vary dramatically from one mile to the next, ranging from non-accumulating flurries to total whiteouts. The heavy snowfall and the possibility of blowing and drifting snow might leave some vehicles stranded on the road, particularly long-distance commuters who have little to no expertise with lake-effect snow.
"We expect snowfall rates of 2-3 inches per hour and locally more intense, which can close roads such as interstates 79, 81, 86 and 90 to name a few in the eastern Great Lakes," AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathon Porter said, "Multiple feet of snow will pile up in the most persistent snow bands."
12:44 PM EST
Winter weather threatens Thanksgiving travel and parades
An impactful storm system is poised to disrupt Thanksgiving travel plans and holiday festivities across multiple regions of the United States, with particular concerns for major parades and travel hubs in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions, according to forecasters.
This year's holiday is expected to see record-breaking travel numbers, with AAA projecting 79.9 million Americans taking to the roads and skies throughout the week.
However, the developing weather system could bring strong wind, heavy rain, and accumulating snow to parts of the country during Thanksgiving and Black Friday.
Read the full story by Tom Howarth on Newsweek.
12:40 PM EST
What are the different snow storm types?
Chief Meteorologist Mark Mancuso at WTAJ reveals the three main storm types that produce snowfall - and which one can result in more than six inches of snow.
Miller A-type - develops in the southeast U.S. and typically travels along the coast or offshore. They almost guarantee snow if they hit the shore.
Miller B-type - form in the Midwest with two storm centers making it hard to predict. But they can be responsible for some very heavy downfalls.
Alberta Clipper - common storm type that forms in Canada's Alberta province and moves south towards the Midwest. They are known for their strong winds and depositing narrow bands of heavy snow - which can be six inches or more. They are typically stopped by the Appalachian Mountains.
12:36 PM EST
Understanding lake effect snow
The National Weather Service defines lake effect snow as occurring when cold air, mostly from Canada, flows across the open waters of the Great Lakes. As cold air flows over the unfrozen and comparatively warm waters of the Great Lakes, warmth and moisture are transmitted to the lower atmosphere. As the air rises, clouds gather and expand into a tight band, producing 2 to 3 inches of snow per hour or more.
This phenomenon is widespread in the Great Lakes area in late autumn and winter.
Wind direction is an important factor in deciding whether places may see lake effect snow. Heavy snow may fall in one spot while the sun shines a mile or two distant in either direction. The physical topography of land and sea is equally significant.
12:21 PM EST
Lake effect snow to 'blast the Midwest and New York/Pennsylvania' this weekend
FOX Weather meteorologist Bob Van Dillen said that lake effect snow will affect Americans this weekend.
"Lake effect snow will blast the Midwest and New York/Pennsylvania through the weekend, including Sunday," Van Dillen said in an email to Newsweek. "Riding home Sunday afternoon will be tough over the snowy roads up there."
12:07 PM EST
What to expect this weekend
On Saturday, near-record-warm temperatures throughout the Great Lakes are predicted to trigger a bout of lake-effect snow, including severe precipitation downwind of Lakes Ontario and Erie, according to NOAA.
Cold weather is expected to remain in the Northeast and Midwest on Sunday, but it is unlikely to create travel delays on interstates or at airports.
Lake-effect snow is anticipated to persist on Sunday throughout a large portion of the United States, from Michigan to New York.
11:57 AM EST
Rain, cold, and snow expected through Thanksgiving and beyond
A storm system moving over the West Coast is anticipated to dump significant snow on Wednesday in the Colorado Rockies, Idaho and Montana's Bitterroot Range, and Utah's Wasatch Mountains, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Weather Prediction Center.
Forecasters expect rain showers in parts of the Mid-South and the Ohio River Valley on Thanksgiving Day, with Arctic air plummeting into the High Plains, reducing temperatures to the teens and 20s.
More severe cold is expected on Friday from the Plains to the Great Lakes area, with maximum temperatures as low as 25 degrees below normal and wind chills making it seem considerably worse.
11:43 AM EST
Watch the movement of this week's cold weather
Have a look at how the cold weather will move through Thanksgiving.
11:32 AM EST
California lakes surge after once-in-a-thousand-year atmospheric river
California's reservoirs have seen a remarkable rise in water levels, thanks to an intense atmospheric river that swept through Northern California last week.
The storm unleashed torrents of rain, significantly replenishing key water sources across the drought-prone state.
An atmospheric river is a narrow, but long, corridor of concentrated moisture in the atmosphere, often described as a "river in the sky."
These phenomena transport vast amounts of water vapor from tropical regions to other parts of the globe, sometimes stretching thousands of miles across the ocean.
As of Monday, Lake Sonoma's water levels had surged over 13 feet, bringing the reservoir to 93 percent of its full pool level—the highest it has reached at this time of year in six years, according to Lakes Online.
This recovery follows three days of record-breaking rainfall in Santa Rosa, which received more than 12 inches of rain. The National Weather Service (NWS) Bay Area labeled the storm as a "thousand-year event" in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The storm caused widespread disruption, including flooding, road closures and two fatalities. However, it also provided much-needed relief to reservoirs strained by years of drought.
Read the full story by Tom Howarth on Newsweek.
10:59 AM EST
Meteorologist advises Americans arrive at destination 'by Wednesday night': Exclusive
FOX Weather meteorologist Bob Van Dillen exclusively told Newsweek that it would be best that if traveling, Americans should arrive at their destination on the eve of Thanksgiving to avoid less than favorable weather conditions.
"My advice is to try and be at your destination by Wednesday night if you are on the East Coast because Thanksgiving morning will be breezy and wet. Going back home Sunday looks nice, except for the Lake Effect Snow belt up in New York, Pennsylvania and Michigan."
10:44 AM EST
'Dangerous wind chill temperatures' expected this weekend
The National Weather Service has predicted that the first outbreak of Arctic temperatures will impact certain states beginning on Thanksgiving, with wind chills dipping to negative degrees in the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest.
"A significant arctic outbreak will arrive in the northern Rockies and northern Plains on Thanksgiving into Friday and advance farther south and east through much of the Plains and Midwest this weekend," a report said. "Dangerous wind chill temperatures are expected with a significant long duration lake effect snow event possible downwind of the Great Lakes. Severe thunderstorms may be possible in the Southeast."
10:33 AM EST
Below normal temperatures expected over the next day
Substantial snow is forecast across sections of the Sierra Nevada, Great Lakes, and central Rockies, while temperatures in the Plains will be below normal today and Wednesday, according to a Tuesday morning report from the National Weather Service.
The Central U.S. is also predicted to suffer low temperatures today and tonight, perhaps causing an arctic outbreak across the area on Wednesday and Thursday.
10:23 AM EST
How winter storms form
A winter storm, like any other storm at any other time of year, requires the proper balance of components to form.
Three key elements are required to create a winter storm, as listed by the NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory:
Cold air. Below-freezing temperatures in the clouds and near the ground are necessary to make snow and/or ice.
Lift. Something to raise the moist air to form the clouds and cause precipitation. An example of lift is warm air colliding with cold air and being forced to rise over the cold dome. The boundary between the warm and cold air masses is called a front. Another example of lift is air flowing up a mountainside.
Moisture. To form clouds and precipitation. Air blowing across a body of water, such as a large lake or the ocean, is an excellent source of moisture.
10:05 AM EST
Weather could impact travel across southeast Ohio
The National Weather Service in Pocatello, Idaho shared how weather could impact travel across the southeast of the state.
09:54 AM EST
Wet roads could make Thanksgiving dinner 'a pain' for the East Coast
FOX Weather meteorologist Bob Van Dillen exclusively told Newsweek that although early Wednesday will be "pretty nice," that won't exactly be the case for Thanksgiving Thursday.
As of Wednesday night in the Ohio Valley area, a coastal storm will form into Thursday morning, blasting rain from the South to the Northeast Coast, Van Dillen said.
"Expect a good band of snow in the Mountains from Pennsylvania to New England, with wet roads along the I-95 corridor," he told Newsweek. "It won't be a storm like the one in 'Plains, Trains and Automobiles' but it will make travel to Thanksgiving dinner a pain for the East Coast."
09:42 AM EST
What to expect on Wednesday
On Wednesday, one of the busiest travel days of the year, snow is forecast to accumulate over the Rocky Mountains from Colorado to New Mexico. Denver may awaken to several inches of snow, The Washington Post reports.
Light to moderate rain is anticipated to fall across Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Arkansas, northern Mississippi, and western Tennessee. Light, wet snow might form on the northern edge of this rain shield, perhaps falling across northern Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and southern Michigan.
That night, the storm system is predicted to develop when an Arctic air mass to the north interacts with a surge of warmer, moister air from the Gulf of Mexico.
This will likely provide unsettled weather on Wednesday night, with thunderstorms probable in the Southeast and rain moving across the Appalachians into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.
09:33 AM EST
Winter storm warning issued in 6 states ahead of arctic blast
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings in six states as "heavy snow" is expected in large regions of the country.
Portions of California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, and Idaho were subjected to the warnings as of Monday night. The forecast looked particularly severe in Colorado, where an NWS map showed stormy weather blanketing most of the state. Several feet of snow was expected in some areas.
NWS warnings were released on Tuesday night for high elevations in Colorado's eastern La Garita Mountains and eastern San Juan Mountains above 10,000 feet until 5 a.m. local time Thursday.
The eastern Sawatch Mountains and western Mosquito Range, above 11,000 feet and 9,000 feet, respectively, in western Chaffee County, were also warned, as up to 34 inches of snowfall is expected.
Read the full story by Aila Slisco on Newsweek.
09:21 AM EST
Denver likely to see 'travel delay impacts': Exclusive
FOX Weather meteorologist Bob Van Dillen exclusively told Newsweek that some in Denver, Colorado are likely to "see some travel delay impacts" as a result of the atmospheric river that hit the West Coast.
However, travel in general "looks pretty nice" on the day before Thanksgiving.
"This year's travel outlook for Thanksgiving looks pretty nice for Wednesday," Van Dillen told Newsweek. "The huge atmospheric river that slammed the west coast still will have some punch into the Rockies, so Denver will see some travel delay impacts both on the roads and in the air. The rest of the country will see smooth sailing, initially. The problems start to occur on late Wednesday night with rain into the Ohio Valley."
09:13 AM EST
Hefty rainfall coming to the East and Midwest
Heavy rain is expected in parts of the Midwest and East Coast through Thanksgiving, with snow possible in the Northeastern states. Heavy snowfall fell in northern Pennsylvania, especially the Pocono Mountains. Higher mountains recorded up to 17 inches (43 cm), with lower accumulations in valley communities such as Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. Around 35,000 consumers in 10 counties were without electricity, down from 80,000 a day earlier.
Nearly 10,000 residents in New York's Catskills region were still without power Sunday morning, two days after a blizzard dropped heavy snow on sections of the area.
Precipitation in West Virginia helped alleviate the state's worst drought in at least two decades, boosting ski resorts as they prepare to open in the coming weeks.
09:05 AM EST
Thanksgiving winter storm map shows 8 states with worst travel conditions
Poor travel conditions will be in place for eight states on Wednesday, which is expected to be one of the busiest holiday travel days leading up to Thanksgiving.
An updated forecast from AccuWeather shows the expected weather impacts across the nation as a record 71 million Americans are set to travel for the holiday, AAA reported.
The eight worst affected states are Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.
AccuWeather forecasts that "significant travel disruptions are anticipated for tens of millions" of travelers.
A Newsweek map shows the eight states with poor travel conditions forecast for Wednesday.
Read the full story by Flynn Nicholls on Newsweek.
08:49 AM EST
Tuesday and Wednesday will likely see traffic that is 'more than double what it typically is on a normal day'
Drivers should be aware that Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons are the worst times to travel by car, but roadways should be clear by Thanksgiving Day, according to transportation analytics company INRIX.
The optimum periods for motorists to return home are before 1 p.m. on Sunday, before 8 a.m., and after 7 p.m. on Monday, according to the company.
According to INRIX transportation researcher Bob Pishue, "traffic is expected to be more than double what it typically is on a normal day" in cities such as Boston, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, and Washington.
08:36 AM EST
Winter weather advisory in effect for New England
A winter weather advisory is in force for areas of northern New England on Tuesday, with icy and snowy conditions serving as a preview of Thursday's forecast Thanksgiving nor'easter.
The advisory is in force until 1 p.m. in parts of northern Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. The National Weather Service predicts mixed precipitation in those locations, including modest accumulations of snow, sleet, and ice.
"The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning commute," the NWS said. "Slow down and use caution while traveling."
08:25 AM EST
Thanksgiving winter storm forecast shows two possible scenarios
A brewing storm in the eastern United States could bring rain, snow, and wind during Thanksgiving week, potentially disrupting holiday travel and parades.
Meteorologists for weather news website AccuWeather project two possible scenarios for the storm, which may impact the Midwest, Ohio Valley, and the Northeast through Black Friday.
Stronger, Slower-Moving Storm
Weaker, Southern-Tracking Storm
Read the full set of scenarios in this story by Flynn Nicholls on Newsweek.
08:17 AM EST
Sierra Nevada storm warning ends today
The National Weather Service office in Sacramento, California, has issued a winter storm warning for the Sierra Nevada through Tuesday, with heavy snow forecast at higher elevations and wind gusts up to 55 mph (88 kph).
Snowfall of about 4 feet was predicted, with the biggest accumulations expected Monday and Tuesday.
08:07 AM EST
'Hard freeze' headed toward the Southeast
A "hard freeze" is expected early next week across the Southeast, which includes southern Georgia, Alabama, and northern Florida, the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center reported.
08:04 AM EST
Traveling on Thanksgiving Day
The roads are expected to be jammed with a record number of 71.7 million people traveling by car over Thanksgiving.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts that road travelers will surpass pre-pandemic numbers in 2019. There will be an additional 1.3 million travelers on the road compared with last year. Gas prices are also lower this Thanksgiving season compared with 2023.
"Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel, and this year we're expecting to set new records across the board, from driving to flying and cruising," said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel.
"Americans reconnect with family and friends over Thanksgiving, and travel is a big part of that. AAA continues to see travel demand soar post-pandemic with our members looking for new adventures and memorable vacations."
Read the full story by Monica Sager on Newsweek.
08:01 AM EST
Winter weather warnings in 13 states 6 feet of snow to hit
Winter is tightening its icy grip across much of the country, with a string of states slapped with weather warnings this week amid fears of treacherous conditions.
Reduced visibility and heavy snow—up to 6 feet of snow accumulation in some parts—are forecast just days away from Thanksgiving. And the National Weather Service has issued warnings for 13 states: Colorado, California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Vermont, Michigan, Alaska, New York, Idaho, Maine, New Hampshire and New Mexico.
It has been a tough winter so far for many Americans, who have been battered with a string of storms. Last week, two powerful weather systems combined forces, when an atmospheric river, or water vapor in the sky, and a bomb cyclone, namely a rapid drop in pressure, collided to whip up a fierce winter storm that saw those on higher ground pounded with snow. Newsweek has compiled experts' safety tips for winter travelers because the hazardous conditions look set to continue, judging by this week's forecast.
Read the full story by Chloe Mayer on Newsweek.
Follow Newsweek's live blog for updates.
07:01 PM EST
Weather warning issued for Colorado as up to three feet of snow expected
A weather alert has been issued for part of Colorado as a winter storm is expected to dump up to three feet of snow by Wednesday afternoon.
The Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the northern, central, and southern mountains, while an avalanche warning is in place for the West Elk Mountains, Southern Sawatch Ranch, and Monarch Pass.
A Winter Weather Advisory is also in effect for part of Denver, where up to nine inches of snow if expected, between Tuesday at 11 p.m. and Wednesday at 5 p.m., according to First Alert.
06:45 PM EST
Multiple reports of car and truck crashes during icy weather
A dangerous combination of icy roads and freezing rain led to multiple crashes in Vermont today.
Multiple car crashes and "slide-offs" were reported on Interstate 89, including several tractor-trailers careening off road, WCAX News reports.
Vermont state police also reported accidents along Interstate 91.
06:21 PM EST
Incredible footage shows winter cold front meeting fall trees
A stunning video, shared by AccuWeather, captured the moment an icy cold front met the fall in New Hampshire.
Footage shows a clear line between the white, snow covered trees, and the colorful fall-leaf trees as the cold front passes across the state.
05:51 PM EST
Alaska braces for 50mph winds with chill factors as low as negative 20F
Alaska is bracing for powerful winds with wind chills as low as negative 20F this week.
The National Weather Service, in Anchorage, warned that strong winds of up to 50mph will be expected in Alaska's Southcentral through Friday.
"Wind chills could drop as low as -20 in some areas," forecasters said on X. "Stay warm and drive safe if you'll be traveling for Thanksgiving."
05:21 PM EST
Florida to plunge 40 degrees with new polar cold front
Florida will experience double-digit temperature drops statewide on Sunday and into next week after cooler air blanketed the state this past weekend.
A "polar cold front" is expected to bring the cooler temperatures on Sunday, with the coldest air hitting next week, according to Orlando TV station WKMG. Central Florida could see temperatures in the 30s, and areas northwest of Interstate 4 could experience freezing temperatures, the station said.
On Tuesday, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Melbourne, Florida, posted temperatures showing highs in the upper 70s and low 80s, noting on X (formerly Twitter) that this is "slightly warmer."
The Sunshine State will also face a marginal risk for severe weather on Thanksgiving, according to the NWS office in Tallahassee. The risk level is 1 out of 5 and is due to the cold front, the office said.
Read in full from Anna Commander on Newsweek.
05:13 PM EST
First Arctic blast of the season to hit over Thanksgiving
An Artic blast is set to plunge much of the U.S. into a deep freeze over the holidays, with some regions dropping as a low as negative 40 degrees F.
The NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) said that the cold air will arrive in the Midwest and northern Plains by Thanksgiving and move into the South and East through the holiday weekend.
"Temperatures are likely to be the coldest since mid-late February in the Northern Plains and Midwest," the NWS said in a statement.
"At the peak of the Arctic outbreak, minimum wind chills should fall below zero for much of the northern Plains and upper Midwest.
"Formidable lake-effect snow bands and snow showers will develop east and southeast of the Great Lakes resulting in significant accumulations and drifting snow in the hardest hit areas."
05:06 PM EST
Today and tomorrow are the worst days to travel for Thanksgiving
Today and tomorrow are the worst days to travel for Thanksgiving as a record-breaking 80 million Americans are expected to head home for the holidays, according to the AAA.
Winter storms across the country have caused more than 2,000 flight delays and dozens of cancellations today.
In Colorado, the National Weather Service (NWS) warns, "travel could be very difficult to impossible," as mountain regions expect up to 26 inches of snow.
Californians have received the same NWS warning as up to six feet of snow is expected in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Roads and bridges "will likely become slick and hazardous," NWS predicts.
The Midwest is also bracing for a winter storm this week which could create dangerous snowy road conditions while New England and the North East Coast is forecast to receive its first heavy snowfall of the year today, with a second set for Thanksgiving night. The worst times to travel over the holidays is this afternoon, and Wednesday afternoon. The best will be on Thanksgiving itself when roads are typically clear of traffic.
04:58 PM EST
Frostbite and hypothermia warnings as Arctic blast hits U.S. over Thanksgiving
The NOAA National Weather Service is warning that some Americans are at risk of hypothermia and frostbite as temperatures plunge over Thanksgiving.
"At the peak of the Arctic outbreak, minimum wind chills should fall below zero for much for the northern Plains and upper Midwest, the NWS Weather Prediction Center said.
"Wind chills across much of North Dakota will be below negative 15F with some areas as colds as negative 30-40F. This will post an increase risk of hypothermia and frostbite on exposed skin. Have a winter survival kit if you must travel."
03:35 PM EST
'Threat for heavy snow' increases
The National Weather Service has reported that the threat of heavy snow throughout the week is continuing to increase.
03:30 PM EST
Major New York roads may close Thanksgiving weekend for "significant" snow
National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists in the Buffalo, New York, office warn that an incoming winter storm could produce lake effect snow significant enough to close some major roadways this weekend.
The winter storm will likely hit as some people are readying to head home after Thanksgiving. Nearly 80 million Americans are expected to travel for Thanksgiving this year, the AAA reported.
Some New Yorkers who traveled for the holiday could encounter road closures on their drive back as inclement weather arrives this weekend.
Read the full story by Anna Skinner on Newsweek.
03:18 PM EST
Cold weather hitting Florida after Thanksgiving
A powerful polar cold front is forecast to pass across Central Florida on Sunday, December 1, bringing abnormally chilly air to descend the peninsula. The air arriving late this weekend is presently racing up northwest of Hudson Bay in Canada, starting from the Arctic Circle.
This front will bring temperatures in the 30s and 40s to Central Florida, with high 30s likely as far south as Osceola County. Monday and Tuesday mornings northwest of I-4 may see temperatures drop below freezing.
02:42 PM EST
Follow Newsweek's holiday travel blog
Follow Newsweek's holiday travel live blog for the latest updates and tips for your Thanksgiving journeys throughout the week.
02:25 PM EST
Wind blowing through Las Vegas today
There is a high wind warning in effect for Las Vegas, Nevada today along with a winter weather advisory through Wednesday.
02:06 PM EST
Cold weather could disrupt travel
An Arctic blast in the Midwest and damp weather in the Eastern U.S. may hinder travel during the next several days.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a storm system moving over the West Coast is expected to deliver significant snow to the Intermountain West on Wednesday, including the Colorado Rockies, the Bitterroot Range in Idaho and Montana, and Utah's Wasatch Mountains.
Forecasters predict sunny weather on Thanksgiving Day over the western two-thirds of the country, but a mix of rain and snow from Michigan and Ohio to New England.
01:58 PM EST
Tropical storm–force winds make Thanksgiving travel difficult in two states
Strong winds will gust through Colorado and New Mexico on Tuesday, creating difficult road conditions for Thanksgiving travelers.
Nearly 80 million people will travel for Thanksgiving this year, the AAA said, with Tuesday and Wednesday expected to be the busiest travel days. However, inclement weather could disrupt those on their way to visit their families.
On Tuesday morning, National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists issued a high wind warning in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. Wind gusts will be equivalent to a tropical storm and could cause hazardous conditions for motorists.
Read the full story by Anna Skinner on Newsweek.
12:51 PM EST
Great lakes to be hit with 'near-blizzard conditions'
A significant lake-effect snow event will begin during the long holiday weekend, with near-blizzard conditions threatening to close highways and bury communities in snow, Accuweather reports.
Local circumstances might vary dramatically from one mile to the next, ranging from non-accumulating flurries to total whiteouts. The heavy snowfall and the possibility of blowing and drifting snow might leave some vehicles stranded on the road, particularly long-distance commuters who have little to no expertise with lake-effect snow.
"We expect snowfall rates of 2-3 inches per hour and locally more intense, which can close roads such as interstates 79, 81, 86 and 90 to name a few in the eastern Great Lakes," AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathon Porter said, "Multiple feet of snow will pile up in the most persistent snow bands."
12:44 PM EST
Winter weather threatens Thanksgiving travel and parades
An impactful storm system is poised to disrupt Thanksgiving travel plans and holiday festivities across multiple regions of the United States, with particular concerns for major parades and travel hubs in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions, according to forecasters.
This year's holiday is expected to see record-breaking travel numbers, with AAA projecting 79.9 million Americans taking to the roads and skies throughout the week.
However, the developing weather system could bring strong wind, heavy rain, and accumulating snow to parts of the country during Thanksgiving and Black Friday.
Read the full story by Tom Howarth on Newsweek.
12:40 PM EST
What are the different snow storm types?
Chief Meteorologist Mark Mancuso at WTAJ reveals the three main storm types that produce snowfall - and which one can result in more than six inches of snow.
Miller A-type - develops in the southeast U.S. and typically travels along the coast or offshore. They almost guarantee snow if they hit the shore.
Miller B-type - form in the Midwest with two storm centers making it hard to predict. But they can be responsible for some very heavy downfalls.
Alberta Clipper - common storm type that forms in Canada's Alberta province and moves south towards the Midwest. They are known for their strong winds and depositing narrow bands of heavy snow - which can be six inches or more. They are typically stopped by the Appalachian Mountains.
12:36 PM EST
Understanding lake effect snow
The National Weather Service defines lake effect snow as occurring when cold air, mostly from Canada, flows across the open waters of the Great Lakes. As cold air flows over the unfrozen and comparatively warm waters of the Great Lakes, warmth and moisture are transmitted to the lower atmosphere. As the air rises, clouds gather and expand into a tight band, producing 2 to 3 inches of snow per hour or more.
This phenomenon is widespread in the Great Lakes area in late autumn and winter.
Wind direction is an important factor in deciding whether places may see lake effect snow. Heavy snow may fall in one spot while the sun shines a mile or two distant in either direction. The physical topography of land and sea is equally significant.
12:21 PM EST
Lake effect snow to 'blast the Midwest and New York/Pennsylvania' this weekend
FOX Weather meteorologist Bob Van Dillen said that lake effect snow will affect Americans this weekend.
"Lake effect snow will blast the Midwest and New York/Pennsylvania through the weekend, including Sunday," Van Dillen said in an email to Newsweek. "Riding home Sunday afternoon will be tough over the snowy roads up there."
12:07 PM EST
What to expect this weekend
On Saturday, near-record-warm temperatures throughout the Great Lakes are predicted to trigger a bout of lake-effect snow, including severe precipitation downwind of Lakes Ontario and Erie, according to NOAA.
Cold weather is expected to remain in the Northeast and Midwest on Sunday, but it is unlikely to create travel delays on interstates or at airports.
Lake-effect snow is anticipated to persist on Sunday throughout a large portion of the United States, from Michigan to New York.
11:57 AM EST
Rain, cold, and snow expected through Thanksgiving and beyond
A storm system moving over the West Coast is anticipated to dump significant snow on Wednesday in the Colorado Rockies, Idaho and Montana's Bitterroot Range, and Utah's Wasatch Mountains, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Weather Prediction Center.
Forecasters expect rain showers in parts of the Mid-South and the Ohio River Valley on Thanksgiving Day, with Arctic air plummeting into the High Plains, reducing temperatures to the teens and 20s.
More severe cold is expected on Friday from the Plains to the Great Lakes area, with maximum temperatures as low as 25 degrees below normal and wind chills making it seem considerably worse.
11:43 AM EST
Watch the movement of this week's cold weather
Have a look at how the cold weather will move through Thanksgiving.
11:32 AM EST
California lakes surge after once-in-a-thousand-year atmospheric river
California's reservoirs have seen a remarkable rise in water levels, thanks to an intense atmospheric river that swept through Northern California last week.
The storm unleashed torrents of rain, significantly replenishing key water sources across the drought-prone state.
An atmospheric river is a narrow, but long, corridor of concentrated moisture in the atmosphere, often described as a "river in the sky."
These phenomena transport vast amounts of water vapor from tropical regions to other parts of the globe, sometimes stretching thousands of miles across the ocean.
As of Monday, Lake Sonoma's water levels had surged over 13 feet, bringing the reservoir to 93 percent of its full pool level—the highest it has reached at this time of year in six years, according to Lakes Online.
This recovery follows three days of record-breaking rainfall in Santa Rosa, which received more than 12 inches of rain. The National Weather Service (NWS) Bay Area labeled the storm as a "thousand-year event" in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The storm caused widespread disruption, including flooding, road closures and two fatalities. However, it also provided much-needed relief to reservoirs strained by years of drought.
Read the full story by Tom Howarth on Newsweek.
10:59 AM EST
Meteorologist advises Americans arrive at destination 'by Wednesday night': Exclusive
FOX Weather meteorologist Bob Van Dillen exclusively told Newsweek that it would be best that if traveling, Americans should arrive at their destination on the eve of Thanksgiving to avoid less than favorable weather conditions.
"My advice is to try and be at your destination by Wednesday night if you are on the East Coast because Thanksgiving morning will be breezy and wet. Going back home Sunday looks nice, except for the Lake Effect Snow belt up in New York, Pennsylvania and Michigan."
10:44 AM EST
'Dangerous wind chill temperatures' expected this weekend
The National Weather Service has predicted that the first outbreak of Arctic temperatures will impact certain states beginning on Thanksgiving, with wind chills dipping to negative degrees in the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest.
"A significant arctic outbreak will arrive in the northern Rockies and northern Plains on Thanksgiving into Friday and advance farther south and east through much of the Plains and Midwest this weekend," a report said. "Dangerous wind chill temperatures are expected with a significant long duration lake effect snow event possible downwind of the Great Lakes. Severe thunderstorms may be possible in the Southeast."
10:33 AM EST
Below normal temperatures expected over the next day
Substantial snow is forecast across sections of the Sierra Nevada, Great Lakes, and central Rockies, while temperatures in the Plains will be below normal today and Wednesday, according to a Tuesday morning report from the National Weather Service.
The Central U.S. is also predicted to suffer low temperatures today and tonight, perhaps causing an arctic outbreak across the area on Wednesday and Thursday.
10:23 AM EST
How winter storms form
A winter storm, like any other storm at any other time of year, requires the proper balance of components to form.
Three key elements are required to create a winter storm, as listed by the NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory:
Cold air. Below-freezing temperatures in the clouds and near the ground are necessary to make snow and/or ice.
Lift. Something to raise the moist air to form the clouds and cause precipitation. An example of lift is warm air colliding with cold air and being forced to rise over the cold dome. The boundary between the warm and cold air masses is called a front. Another example of lift is air flowing up a mountainside.
Moisture. To form clouds and precipitation. Air blowing across a body of water, such as a large lake or the ocean, is an excellent source of moisture.
10:05 AM EST
Weather could impact travel across southeast Ohio
The National Weather Service in Pocatello, Idaho shared how weather could impact travel across the southeast of the state.
09:54 AM EST
Wet roads could make Thanksgiving dinner 'a pain' for the East Coast
FOX Weather meteorologist Bob Van Dillen exclusively told Newsweek that although early Wednesday will be "pretty nice," that won't exactly be the case for Thanksgiving Thursday.
As of Wednesday night in the Ohio Valley area, a coastal storm will form into Thursday morning, blasting rain from the South to the Northeast Coast, Van Dillen said.
"Expect a good band of snow in the Mountains from Pennsylvania to New England, with wet roads along the I-95 corridor," he told Newsweek. "It won't be a storm like the one in 'Plains, Trains and Automobiles' but it will make travel to Thanksgiving dinner a pain for the East Coast."
09:42 AM EST
What to expect on Wednesday
On Wednesday, one of the busiest travel days of the year, snow is forecast to accumulate over the Rocky Mountains from Colorado to New Mexico. Denver may awaken to several inches of snow, The Washington Post reports.
Light to moderate rain is anticipated to fall across Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Arkansas, northern Mississippi, and western Tennessee. Light, wet snow might form on the northern edge of this rain shield, perhaps falling across northern Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and southern Michigan.
That night, the storm system is predicted to develop when an Arctic air mass to the north interacts with a surge of warmer, moister air from the Gulf of Mexico.
This will likely provide unsettled weather on Wednesday night, with thunderstorms probable in the Southeast and rain moving across the Appalachians into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.
09:33 AM EST
Winter storm warning issued in 6 states ahead of arctic blast
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings in six states as "heavy snow" is expected in large regions of the country.
Portions of California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, and Idaho were subjected to the warnings as of Monday night. The forecast looked particularly severe in Colorado, where an NWS map showed stormy weather blanketing most of the state. Several feet of snow was expected in some areas.
NWS warnings were released on Tuesday night for high elevations in Colorado's eastern La Garita Mountains and eastern San Juan Mountains above 10,000 feet until 5 a.m. local time Thursday.
The eastern Sawatch Mountains and western Mosquito Range, above 11,000 feet and 9,000 feet, respectively, in western Chaffee County, were also warned, as up to 34 inches of snowfall is expected.
Read the full story by Aila Slisco on Newsweek.
09:21 AM EST
Denver likely to see 'travel delay impacts': Exclusive
FOX Weather meteorologist Bob Van Dillen exclusively told Newsweek that some in Denver, Colorado are likely to "see some travel delay impacts" as a result of the atmospheric river that hit the West Coast.
However, travel in general "looks pretty nice" on the day before Thanksgiving.
"This year's travel outlook for Thanksgiving looks pretty nice for Wednesday," Van Dillen told Newsweek. "The huge atmospheric river that slammed the west coast still will have some punch into the Rockies, so Denver will see some travel delay impacts both on the roads and in the air. The rest of the country will see smooth sailing, initially. The problems start to occur on late Wednesday night with rain into the Ohio Valley."
09:13 AM EST
Hefty rainfall coming to the East and Midwest
Heavy rain is expected in parts of the Midwest and East Coast through Thanksgiving, with snow possible in the Northeastern states. Heavy snowfall fell in northern Pennsylvania, especially the Pocono Mountains. Higher mountains recorded up to 17 inches (43 cm), with lower accumulations in valley communities such as Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. Around 35,000 consumers in 10 counties were without electricity, down from 80,000 a day earlier.
Nearly 10,000 residents in New York's Catskills region were still without power Sunday morning, two days after a blizzard dropped heavy snow on sections of the area.
Precipitation in West Virginia helped alleviate the state's worst drought in at least two decades, boosting ski resorts as they prepare to open in the coming weeks.
09:05 AM EST
Thanksgiving winter storm map shows 8 states with worst travel conditions
Poor travel conditions will be in place for eight states on Wednesday, which is expected to be one of the busiest holiday travel days leading up to Thanksgiving.
An updated forecast from AccuWeather shows the expected weather impacts across the nation as a record 71 million Americans are set to travel for the holiday, AAA reported.
The eight worst affected states are Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.
AccuWeather forecasts that "significant travel disruptions are anticipated for tens of millions" of travelers.
A Newsweek map shows the eight states with poor travel conditions forecast for Wednesday.
Read the full story by Flynn Nicholls on Newsweek.
08:49 AM EST
Tuesday and Wednesday will likely see traffic that is 'more than double what it typically is on a normal day'
Drivers should be aware that Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons are the worst times to travel by car, but roadways should be clear by Thanksgiving Day, according to transportation analytics company INRIX.
The optimum periods for motorists to return home are before 1 p.m. on Sunday, before 8 a.m., and after 7 p.m. on Monday, according to the company.
According to INRIX transportation researcher Bob Pishue, "traffic is expected to be more than double what it typically is on a normal day" in cities such as Boston, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, and Washington.
08:36 AM EST
Winter weather advisory in effect for New England
A winter weather advisory is in force for areas of northern New England on Tuesday, with icy and snowy conditions serving as a preview of Thursday's forecast Thanksgiving nor'easter.
The advisory is in force until 1 p.m. in parts of northern Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. The National Weather Service predicts mixed precipitation in those locations, including modest accumulations of snow, sleet, and ice.
"The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning commute," the NWS said. "Slow down and use caution while traveling."
08:25 AM EST
Thanksgiving winter storm forecast shows two possible scenarios
A brewing storm in the eastern United States could bring rain, snow, and wind during Thanksgiving week, potentially disrupting holiday travel and parades.
Meteorologists for weather news website AccuWeather project two possible scenarios for the storm, which may impact the Midwest, Ohio Valley, and the Northeast through Black Friday.
Stronger, Slower-Moving Storm
Weaker, Southern-Tracking Storm
Read the full set of scenarios in this story by Flynn Nicholls on Newsweek.
08:17 AM EST
Sierra Nevada storm warning ends today
The National Weather Service office in Sacramento, California, has issued a winter storm warning for the Sierra Nevada through Tuesday, with heavy snow forecast at higher elevations and wind gusts up to 55 mph (88 kph).
Snowfall of about 4 feet was predicted, with the biggest accumulations expected Monday and Tuesday.
08:07 AM EST
'Hard freeze' headed toward the Southeast
A "hard freeze" is expected early next week across the Southeast, which includes southern Georgia, Alabama, and northern Florida, the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center reported.
08:04 AM EST
Traveling on Thanksgiving Day
The roads are expected to be jammed with a record number of 71.7 million people traveling by car over Thanksgiving.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts that road travelers will surpass pre-pandemic numbers in 2019. There will be an additional 1.3 million travelers on the road compared with last year. Gas prices are also lower this Thanksgiving season compared with 2023.
"Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel, and this year we're expecting to set new records across the board, from driving to flying and cruising," said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel.
"Americans reconnect with family and friends over Thanksgiving, and travel is a big part of that. AAA continues to see travel demand soar post-pandemic with our members looking for new adventures and memorable vacations."
Read the full story by Monica Sager on Newsweek.
08:01 AM EST
Winter weather warnings in 13 states 6 feet of snow to hit
Winter is tightening its icy grip across much of the country, with a string of states slapped with weather warnings this week amid fears of treacherous conditions.
Reduced visibility and heavy snow—up to 6 feet of snow accumulation in some parts—are forecast just days away from Thanksgiving. And the National Weather Service has issued warnings for 13 states: Colorado, California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Vermont, Michigan, Alaska, New York, Idaho, Maine, New Hampshire and New Mexico.
It has been a tough winter so far for many Americans, who have been battered with a string of storms. Last week, two powerful weather systems combined forces, when an atmospheric river, or water vapor in the sky, and a bomb cyclone, namely a rapid drop in pressure, collided to whip up a fierce winter storm that saw those on higher ground pounded with snow. Newsweek has compiled experts' safety tips for winter travelers because the hazardous conditions look set to continue, judging by this week's forecast.
Read the full story by Chloe Mayer on Newsweek.
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