Will Thanksgiving travel be smooth sailing or stormy skies? Get the 2024 weather forecast for Portland and the Pacific Northwest!

Old Farmer’s Almanac Thanksgiving Weather Forecasts for Portland and Pacific Northwest

Will Thanksgiving travel be smooth sailing or stormy skies? Get the 2024 weather forecast for Portland and the Pacific Northwest! 🌐 #News #PortlandOR #Oregon #Weather

PORTLAND, OR – Planning for Thanksgiving in Portland, Oregon and throughout the Pacific Northwest always feels like a juggling act—deciding on recipes, mapping out travel routes, and coordinating family schedules. But there’s one unpredictable factor that can derail even the best-laid plans: the weather. Hello, rain! Whether you’re throwing the football in the backyard or navigating crowded highways, knowing what to expect can make or break your holiday.

Thankfully, the Old Farmer’s Almanac has released its Thanksgiving 2024 forecast, and their long-range predictions include a handy travel map. Let’s dive into the weather outlook to help you prepare for a smooth and stress-free holiday.

Key Dates and Travel Trends

Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 28, 2024, and for many, the holiday means a long weekend of feasting and family time. According to last year’s data from AAA, 89% of Thanksgiving travelers hit the road, while 8.5% opt for air travel. Whether you’re driving to grandma’s house or booking flights to visit loved ones, understanding weather patterns will help you avoid potential travel headaches.

Thanksgiving Travel Map 2024. Courtesy: Old Farmer's Almanac.
Courtesy: Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Breaking Down the Thanksgiving Weather Map

The Old Farmer’s Almanac uses long-range forecasting to provide a detailed Thanksgiving travel map for 2024. This map divides the country into regions and highlights what kind of weather you might encounter.

Here’s how to read it:

  • Temperature Colors:
  • Red or yellow: Warmer-than-average temperatures.
  • Blue: Colder-than-average conditions.
  • White: Variable temperatures that may swing between cool and mild.
  • Precipitation Symbols:
  • Snowflakes indicate snow, raindrops show rain, and sunshine means clear skies. Some areas may have mixed conditions, such as rain and snow or sun and clouds.

Now that you’ve got the map basics, let’s explore the forecast by region.

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Regional Thanksgiving Weather Predictions

Midwest to East Coast

Expect mostly sunny skies from the Upper Midwest to the East Coast, with mild or cool temperatures. This should make for smooth travel conditions through major airline hubs, including Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Detroit, and Charlotte. Overall, it’s good news for travelers in this part of the country.

Southeast and Florida

Scattered showers could create minor delays in parts of the Ohio Valley, Deep South, and Florida. While temperatures will remain cool to mild, Floridians should prepare for a warm yet wet holiday, with rain showers likely across the state.

Central U.S.

The Central U.S. will see sunnier skies and warmer-than-average temperatures. From Minnesota and Wisconsin down to Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma, travel conditions look ideal. In northern Texas, expect sunshine, but southern Texas could experience cooler weather with a few showers.

The Plains

Mild conditions extend across the Plains, with mostly dry weather and occasional showers. If you’re traveling through this region, weather disruptions are unlikely.

The Rocky Mountains

If your Thanksgiving plans take you to the Rockies, be cautious of snow showers, especially in northern areas, which could make roads slick. Southern parts of the Rockies will be sunnier with relatively mild temperatures.

Southwest to Northwest

In the Southwest, including California and Arizona, dry weather and sunshine dominate the forecast. From San Diego to San Francisco, expect a warmer-than-average holiday. However, as you head north to Oregon and Washington, rain is likely, so travelers should plan accordingly.

Further north, Alaska will see mixed rain and snow in central and northern areas, making for a wintry Thanksgiving.

Hawaii

Planning a tropical escape? Thanksgiving in Hawaii will bring slightly cooler-than-normal temperatures along with scattered rain showers on both the eastern and western sides of the islands.

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A Travel-Friendly Holiday (Mostly!)

With most regions expecting mild, dry conditions, Thanksgiving 2024 looks like a relatively smooth holiday for travelers across the U.S. While some areas may see rain or snow, the overall outlook is positive, especially for those driving or flying early in the week.

No matter where you’re headed—or how you’re celebrating—be sure to check the forecast for your route and pack accordingly. After all, a little planning goes a long way toward ensuring your holiday is full of joy (and turkey). Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels!

RELATED TOPICS: Weather | Thanksgiving | Oregon | Washington

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