Asheville, NC – With Thanksgiving just around the corner, travelers across Western North Carolina are preparing for holiday journeys. Meteorologists are keeping a close eye on a storm system impacting the eastern two-thirds of the United States, potentially affecting millions of Americans heading for the highways and airports.
Storm System Could Impact Millions of Travelers
According to AccuWeather meteorologist Alex Sosnowski, a large storm is expected to sweep across much of the country during peak travel times ahead of Thanksgiving. The system is likely to bring rain, strong winds, and in some northern areas, snow, creating potential hazards for travelers.
AAA projects that 82 million Americans will travel for Thanksgiving in 2025, making it one of the busiest holidays for road and air travel. While the storm may create significant challenges across the South and Midwest, Western North Carolina is forecasted to experience relatively mild conditions.
Thanksgiving Weather Forecast for Asheville and Western North Carolina
Residents in the Asheville area and surrounding Western North Carolina counties can expect mostly favorable weather on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27. Current forecasts predict mostly sunny skies with a high near 50 degrees, making for comfortable outdoor activities and family gatherings.
Ahead of the holiday:
- Monday, Nov. 24 – Mostly sunny, with a high near 65°F, low around 45°F overnight.
- Tuesday, Nov. 25 – A 50% chance of showers after 11 a.m., mostly cloudy, high near 64°F. Overnight showers likely, low around 51°F, with a 70% chance of precipitation.
- Wednesday, Nov. 26 – A 40% chance of showers during the day, mostly cloudy, high near 64°F. Overnight low near 35°F.
- Thursday, Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving Day) – Mostly sunny, high near 50°F, perfect for family outings.
Snow Concerns Across the U.S., But Not in Western NC
While some northern states may see snowfall leading up to and on Thanksgiving, Western North Carolina is expected to avoid the worst of it. AccuWeather meteorologist Bernie Rayno noted that snow may affect travelers in the Upper Midwest, including Wisconsin and northern Michigan, but N.C. residents should see mostly fair travel conditions.
Elsewhere in the country, the storm could bring thunderstorms, rain, and gusty winds, impacting flights and road travel, particularly from Atlanta to the Northeast, including Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston.
Travel Tips for Thanksgiving Week
Travelers heading through Western North Carolina can expect manageable conditions, but precautions are still recommended:
- Pack rain gear for midweek showers.
- Monitor real-time weather updates for areas outside North Carolina, particularly the Midwest and Northeast.
- Allow extra travel time if venturing northward, where snow and slick roads may delay commutes.
With mostly sunny skies on Thanksgiving Day, residents and visitors can look forward to a pleasant holiday in the mountains, without the major disruptions affecting other parts of the U.S.
Are you planning to travel through Western North Carolina for Thanksgiving? Share your travel plans, tips, or experiences in the comments below!
