As families across the country make plans for Thanksgiving, the Old Farmer’s Almanac released its much-anticipated long-range forecast, offering travel guidance for the holiday week.
Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 27, this year and millions of Americans are expected to hit the road or board flights to gather with loved ones. The latest Almanac projections indicate a diverse mix of weather, including several states expecting snow.
Why It Matters
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with many extending their journeys into a weeklong holiday. Weather disruptions—especially snow—can complicate travel plans, impact safety, and alter traditional festivities. Understanding where snow is predicted allows travelers and hosts to prepare for possible delays and adjust their itineraries as needed.
What To Know
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac’s 2025 Thanksgiving week outlook, most regions of the country will experience mild conditions, but snow is predicted for select northern and high-elevation areas. The Almanac’s travel weather map covers 18 U.S. regions from the Pacific Northwest to the Atlantic Corridor, offering a granular preview of expected conditions:
- Northern New England (Northeast Region): Travelers should be ready for colder-than-average temperatures with the possibility of snowflakes, especially in northern Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Southern parts of the region, including Massachusetts and Rhode Island, are forecasted to experience crisp, sunny days, favorable for outdoor parades and events.
- Upper Midwest: Residents and travelers in the Upper Midwest—covering areas from Minnesota to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan—should anticipate mild temperatures but remain alert for occasional snow flurries. The Almanac cautions that these wintry bursts could cause slick roads and impact visibility for drivers.
- Intermountain Region (Rocky Mountains and higher terrain): Thanksgiving week will bring a mix of rain and snow, particularly in higher elevations. Travelers navigating mountain passes or planning outdoor activities in Rocky Mountain states should anticipate potential weather-related disruptions.
- Alaska: Colder air will dominate throughout the week, with snow showers expected on and off. The Almanac notes likely wintry travel conditions, including slick surfaces and reduced visibility.
In contrast, most of the East Coast, Mid-Atlantic, South, Heartland, and Desert Southwest will experience sunshine and mild to warm temperatures, minimizing travel concerns. The West Coast, particularly the Pacific Northwest, is forecast to see heavier rainfall, making wet roads and damp commutes more likely than snowfall for most lower elevations.
What People Are Saying
Old Farmer’s Almanac in the Thanksgiving forecast: “Snow is limited to a few northern spots—northern New England, the Upper Midwest, the higher elevations in the Intermountain West, and Alaska—where flurries could affect travel.”
AccuWeather senior meteorologist Chad Merrill told Newsweek: “We are looking at a pretty strong cold front coming through the western and central part of the United States Thanksgiving week, and when that comes through it’s going to produce a bit of snow.”
Merrill added that the cold front will be accompanied by gusty winds, which could reduce visibility in the Upper Midwest as the cold front treks eastward through the second half of Thanksgiving weke, bringing snow to the Dakotas, Upper Midwest, and lake-effect snow showers in the Great Lakes and New England.
What Happens Next
The Old Farmer’s Almanac reminds readers that its forecasts are long-range and designed for planning, not as replacements for short-term local weather updates.
As Thanksgiving approaches, meteorologists recommend checking local five-day forecasts for the most up-to-date information on potential snow and other hazards. Additionally, travelers in snow-prone regions should monitor road conditions and airline updates for possible delays or cancellations.
