An Arctic blast that could hit the U.S. could cause snow, rain and strong winds has many travelers wondering how the wintry weather could affect Thanksgiving travel nationwide.
AccuWeather meteorologists are predicting major travel disruptions as a series of storms are set to move across the country next week, bringing rain, snow, fog and strong winds that could disrupt holiday travel plans for millions of Americans.
“Storms could cause major travel headaches in the days leading up to Thanksgiving,” AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Expert Paul Pastelok said in a news release. “People heading out on the highways should be prepared for snowy conditions in parts of the Midwest and Northwest. Drivers could encounter rain and fog as storms push from the central U.S. to the Northeast before Thanksgiving Day.” 
Delays and disruptions can quickly ripple across the nation during busy holiday travel periods, especially if weather disrupts operations at major airline hubs including Chicago and New York, Pastelok said.
New York’s Thanksgiving forecast calls for an above normal probability of precipitation and near normal temperatures, according to the Climate Prediction Center.
Though the holiday is next week and the National Weather Service typically does not pinpoint detailed forecasts in that extended timeframe – The 7-day outlook shows “increasingly unsettled” weather next week – some plain rain predicted in some areas and light snow in New York’s North Country.
Temperatures are expected to remain near or above seasonal averages, forecasters said. Upstate New York cities of Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica and Albany all show predicted highs between the mid 40s and mid 50s between Sunday and Wednesday – Nov. 23-26 – and lows ranging from 30 to 40 degrees.
According to AccuWeather, Wednesday holds potential for travel delays due to rain, slick roads and poor visibility in the Ohio Valley and northeast states. While the storm is expected to weaken as it moves east, “given the travel volume, even a few hours of rain can create significant problems on the roads and runways,” Pastelok said.
For Thanksgiving Day morning, AccuWeather is currently predicting dry conditions and light winds in New York City. But by the afternoon or evening, winds could kick up a bit. Flurries are possible along the mid-Atlantic and New England coast by Thanksgiving night, Pastelok said.
Despite an overall warmer-than-average fall predicted nationwide by the Old Farmer’s Almanac for 2025, New York was forecast to see cooler-than-normal temperatures and drier conditions.
AAA says nearly 81 million Americans are expected to travel for Thanksgiving this year. Of those, 89.6% will drive and 7% will fly.
Much of New York has already seen its first snowfall this season. A lake-effect snow event earlier this month dropped more than 8 inches in Oswego and Chautauqua counties, with several inches elsewhere in central and western New York.
While some parts of Vermont and Maine can see measurable snow as early as late September, most of upstate New York typically sees its first measurable snowfall in early November, according to the Northeast Regional Climate Center.
Average first measurable snowfall in New York:
The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts “sunshine in much of the East” and rain in the West, with snow confined mainly to northern-tier states, including parts of New England.
For New York, the almanac expects “colder than average” temperatures leading into Thanksgiving. Northern New England could see some snow, while the southern half of the Northeast – including downstate New York – is expected to enjoy a crisp, sunny holiday. The Atlantic corridor, including NYC and Long Island, may start the week mild before turning chilly but dry by Thanksgiving Day.
The 2025–26 winter is expected to be “mostly mild — with pockets of wild,” according to the almanac. Here’s what that means for New York:
Temperature outlook:
Snowfall outlook:
Last year’s snowfall totals (2024–25):
Average snowfall in New York ranges from 25–31 inches downstate to 95–127 inches in western and central regions, according to the National Weather Service.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac – published since 1792 – says its long-range forecasts rely on a blend of solar science, climatology and meteorology. It claims about 80% accuracy, though forecasters recommend checking local forecasts as Thanksgiving approaches.
Winter officially begins with the winter solstice on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 – the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
Contributing: USA Today network

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