Thanksgiving Weather Forecast Snow Storm 2025 – As families across the United States gear up for Thanksgiving celebrations on November 27, 2025, a powerful cross-country storm system is poised to throw a wrench into travel plans. Dubbed a “coast-to-coast” weather event by meteorologists, this system promises significant snow accumulations in the Midwest and Northern Plains, rain and wind in the East and West, and potential disruptions from airports to highways. With over 50 million Americans expected to hit the roads and skies this holiday week, staying informed on the latest forecasts is crucial. This article breaks down the Thanksgiving 2025 weather outlook, focusing on the brewing snow storm, affected regions, and essential travel tips—drawn from trusted sources like the National Weather Service (NWS) and AccuWeather.
The Brewing Snow Storm: What to Expect This Thanksgiving Week
The storm’s origins trace back to a deepening low-pressure system forming over the Northern Plains, expected to intensify from Monday, November 24, through Wednesday, November 26. According to AccuWeather forecasters, this system will deliver “significant snow” across a broad swath from North Dakota through Minnesota, with accumulations potentially reaching 6-12 inches in heavier-hit areas. The NWS echoes this, noting a transition from rain to snow across western Minnesota on Tuesday afternoon, with the wintry mix pushing eastward into Wednesday morning, possibly leaving a few inches behind.
Timing is everything for holiday travelers: The heaviest snow is forecast for late Monday into Tuesday in the Upper Midwest, easing slightly by mid-week but lingering as lake-effect flurries near the Great Lakes. In the Pacific Northwest, an atmospheric river will bring heavy rain and mountain snow through Thanksgiving, with slushy accumulations along key passes like Stevens Pass on U.S. Route 2. While the storm won’t blanket the entire nation, its reach could make it one of the most disruptive Thanksgiving weather events in recent years.
Regions Facing the Heaviest Snowfall and Winter Conditions
Not all areas will see a white Thanksgiving, but several key regions are bracing for snow storm impacts. Here’s a breakdown:
- Northern Plains and Upper Midwest (North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin): Expect the bullseye of the storm, with 4-8 inches of snow possible in Minneapolis and surrounding areas through Tuesday. The NWS warns of rain-snow mixes in northeast Minnesota, transitioning to light lake-effect snow by Thanksgiving. Dense fog could compound visibility issues early in the week.
- Great Lakes (Michigan, Illinois, Indiana): A powerful winter storm is targeting Michigan, with heaviest snow west of U.S. 131—potentially 6-10 inches—creating hazardous travel conditions. Chicago may dodge the worst, but cold air and flurries south of the city are on tap, per local NWS outlooks. Light snow is also predicted in Ohio, Kentucky, and Wisconsin.
- Rockies and Northwest (Colorado, Washington): Snow showers could graze Denver late Wednesday into Thanksgiving, while the Cascades face 3-6 inches in higher elevations through Saturday. Strong winds may whip up whiteout conditions in the Northern Rockies.
- Northeast (New York, Vermont, New Hampshire): Post-Thanksgiving risks rise, with heavy snow possible from November 28-30 in parts of these states, according to probabilistic models. Earlier in the week, rain dominates, but cold air influx could spark flurries.
Southern states like South Carolina may see milder conditions with rain risks, but no major snow. Overall, the Old Farmer’s Almanac aligns with these forecasts, predicting light flurries in the Midwest heartland.
Holiday Travel Disruptions: Flights, Roads, and Rail at Risk
This snow storm couldn’t come at a worse time, colliding with a record-breaking travel surge. The NWS highlights potential whiteout conditions from gusty winds and falling snow, especially in the Plains and Midwest, where highways like I-94 and I-35 could see slippery roads and delays. Airports in Minneapolis-St. Paul and Detroit may face ground stops due to icing and low visibility.
In the East, a separate storm brings rain and thunderstorms from the Dakotas to northern Minnesota, exacerbating flight delays at hubs like Chicago O’Hare. AccuWeather predicts cross-country ripple effects, with over 1,000 U.S. flights already delayed as of Monday morning. Amtrak routes through the Midwest could slow, and coastal flooding risks in the Pacific Northwest add to the chaos.
Pro tip: Check the FAA’s real-time flight tracker or AAA’s road condition maps before departing. If driving, the American Automobile Association estimates 48.6 million road trips this year—plan for extra time in snow-prone zones.
How to Prepare for Thanksgiving Snow Storm Challenges
Don’t let the weather derail your turkey day. Here are actionable tips from NWS and AccuWeather experts:
- Monitor Updates: Use apps from weather.gov or AccuWeather for hyper-local alerts. Enable notifications for winter storm warnings.
- Pack Smart: Emergency kits should include blankets, flashlights, non-perishable snacks, and a full gas tank. For flyers, carry extra layers and medications.
- Alternative Plans: Consider virtual toasts if travel turns treacherous. Reschedule non-essential trips to Friday, when the storm eases.
- Vehicle Prep: Winterize tires, check wipers, and test your defroster. Avoid travel during peak snow hours (Tuesday afternoon in the Midwest).
- Stay Safe Indoors: If snow hits your gathering spot, ensure carbon monoxide detectors work for any generator use.
By heeding these steps, you can minimize risks and maximize family time.
Post-Thanksgiving Outlook: Colder and Snowier Ahead
As the holiday dust settles, the pattern flip continues: A polar vortex dip could usher in below-average temperatures and above-normal snow through December, per NWS winter outlooks. Expect 30-50 inches seasonally in the Dakotas and Minnesota, with early storms favoring the North. Warmer, drier conditions may prevail in the South, but keep an eye on evolving forecasts.
Thanksgiving 2025 reminds us that Mother Nature doesn’t take holidays off. Whether you’re braving the snow storm for pie or staying cozy by the fire, safe travels and grateful hearts to all. For the latest, visit weather.gov or accuweather.com.
This article was updated on November 24, 2025, based on the most current data available.
