Greenville, SC – As Thanksgiving 2025 approaches, travelers across South Carolina and the broader East Coast are being urged to plan ahead for potentially disruptive weather. Forecasters warn that a storm system moving northeast may bring mild temperatures, scattered rain, and gusty winds, affecting road and air travel for millions heading to family gatherings this holiday week.
Storm System to Impact the Eastern U.S.
Meteorologists from AccuWeather say that a large storm system will affect much of the eastern two-thirds of the United States during the busiest travel days of Thanksgiving week. While the West and Northern Plains brace for colder air, the East is expected to experience milder temperatures, a stark contrast to earlier in November.
AccuWeather meteorologist Alex Sosnowski explained:
“A storm will impact much of the eastern U.S. during the busiest travel times ahead of Thanksgiving, as millions of people hit the highways and airports. Travelers should be prepared for rain, gusty winds, and possibly slower travel conditions.”
The Climate Prediction Center also noted that the pattern change late in November will bring mild air to the eastern U.S., while a colder pattern develops in the western and northern regions, potentially creating a sharp contrast in conditions for travelers.
South Carolina Weather Forecast
For Upstate South Carolina, the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts a series of light rain showers starting Friday night, Nov. 21, continuing into Saturday, Nov. 22. While these early showers are expected to be light, travelers should be cautious, especially on highway routes and secondary roads.
Leading into the holiday week, additional scattered rain showers are expected on Tuesday, Nov. 25, and Wednesday, Nov. 26, though skies are forecast to clear by Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27.
Thanksgiving Day itself will feature sunny skies with highs reaching the upper 50s, making it a pleasant day for travel, outdoor activities, and family gatherings. Cooler temperatures will persist overnight, but no significant precipitation is expected.
Travel Concerns: Roads and Airports
While South Carolina may avoid severe conditions, travelers should be aware that the storm system is likely to affect other states along common Thanksgiving routes.
Meteorologist Matt Lanza of Houston warns:
“By Wednesday, Nov. 26, thunderstorms could impact travel through major hubs such as Atlanta and Florida. Winds may also affect flights in Chicago and Minneapolis.”
AccuWeather adds that even as the storm system moves northeast and loses some moisture, the combination of rain, high traffic volumes, and gusty winds could cause road delays and flight disruptions from Washington, D.C., to Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. Travelers in the Southeast should plan for extra travel time and flexible itineraries.
Polar Vortex Not a Factor
Some travelers worry about early-season cold snaps or polar vortex events. Experts clarify that while the Southeast may see slightly cooler temperatures ahead of Thanksgiving, the polar vortex will not affect South Carolina this year.
The Polar Vortex Blog at Climate.gov notes that a polar vortex is not the same as a generic cold snap. The mild stormy weather expected for South Carolina and surrounding states is simply part of the seasonal pattern and not linked to extreme Arctic air.
Bottom Line for South Carolina Travelers
For Upstate South Carolina residents and those traveling through the region, Thanksgiving Day is expected to be largely dry and sunny, with highs in the upper 50s. Scattered rain showers before the holiday may affect Wednesday and early Thursday travel, but conditions are favorable for safe trips, whether driving or flying.
Despite mild conditions locally, travelers should remain vigilant for weather-related disruptions in other parts of the country and plan accordingly.
Are You Traveling Through South Carolina This Thanksgiving?
Will you be driving or flying for Thanksgiving 2025? How are you preparing for rain, gusty winds, and holiday travel delays? Share your plans and tips in the comments below — your insights could help other travelers navigate the busiest travel week of the year safely!
