• East Coast: Dry, sunny weather dominates, ideal for last-minute travel.
• Central US: A storm will form by afternoon, bringing rain from the southern Plains to the Appalachians. Rain may mix with snow in areas like Illinois, northern Pennsylvania, and southern New York, potentially causing slick conditions Thursday morning.
• West: After heavy snow in Colorado's higher elevations (up to 3 feet), weather will calm, providing a break for travelers.

Thursday: Thanksgiving Day Deluge

• East Coast: Rain from the Southeast to the Northeast may disrupt travel. Light snow is expected in the interior Northeast and northern New England, with a few inches accumulating in higher elevations.
• Cold Snap: Arctic air begins to sweep into the Northern Plains, marking the coldest temperatures since February.
• Travel Impacts: Rain could reduce visibility for drivers, while dreary weather and low clouds may cause delays at major airports.

Friday and the Weekend: Frigid and Snowy

• Cold Blast: A widespread Arctic air mass will engulf much of the US, bringing the coldest temperatures of the season. Morning lows will feel like January, with subzero temperatures in the Dakotas and teens across the Midwest.
• Lake-Effect Snow: As Arctic air moves over warm Great Lakes, feet of snow could pile up in areas like Buffalo and Syracuse, potentially disrupting travel on major highways such as I-90 and I-81.
• Windy Conditions: Gusts of 20–30 mph across the Midwest on Friday could cause delays at airports and worsen road conditions.

What to Watch For

• Coldest Temperatures Since Winter: Cities like Chicago and Philadelphia could experience December-like highs, with some areas in the northern Plains struggling to reach the teens.
• Extended Cold: The chill is expected to persist through early December, bringing below-average temperatures to much of the East and Midwest.

Travel Advisory

The National Weather Service warns that highway travel could be severely impacted, particularly in areas affected by lake-effect snow. Visibility may drop to near zero, and road closures are possible in the hardest-hit regions.Travelers should prepare for delays, bundle up, and stay informed as conditions evolve.