Newark, NJ – Travelers planning for Thanksgiving next week may encounter rain showers and stormy conditions, according to early forecasts from AccuWeather. While there is still more than a week before the holiday, meteorologists are already analyzing how a major storm system could impact roads and air travel across the Northeast.
Rain Expected for Busy Travel Days
AccuWeather predicts a chance of rain showers in the New Jersey region on Wednesday, November 27, one of the busiest travel days of the season. Some showers could linger into the morning of Thanksgiving Day, potentially causing delays for commuters, travelers, and holiday event attendees.
Meteorologist Chad Merrill noted that the timing of a large storm system moving through the southern and central United States on Tuesday, November 26, will largely determine the extent of precipitation. “The system could bring rain and areas of fog late Wednesday and into Thursday,” Merrill told NJ Advance Media.
Potential Impact on Holiday Events
It remains too early to predict whether the rain will affect major holiday parades, including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City or the 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Parade in Philadelphia. Officials and event organizers will likely monitor forecasts closely in the coming days as confidence in long-range predictions improves.
Travel Risks for Roads and Airports
AccuWeather’s long-range meteorologist, Paul Pastelok, warned that the storm system could cause travel disruptions. “There is the potential for delays related to rain, slick conditions, and poor visibility from the Ohio Valley to the Northeast from Wednesday into Wednesday night,” he said.
Pastelok added that although the storm is expected to weaken as it moves north, even a few hours of rainfall could create significant problems for roads and airline operations from Washington, D.C., to Boston, including major hubs such as Philadelphia and New York City.
Official Forecast Still Pending
The National Weather Service (NWS) has not yet released its official forecast for Wednesday or Thanksgiving Day. Typically, the NWS issues forecasts five days in advance, offering higher confidence in long-range predictions. Travelers are encouraged to monitor updates throughout the week to stay informed about possible travel disruptions.
Are you preparing for Thanksgiving travel this year? How will potential rain and storms impact your plans? Share your thoughts and travel tips in the comments below!
