Weekly Highlights November 23rd to 29th

This week as we celebrate Thanksgiving, the weather across the United States will be anything but quiet. A dynamic pattern is setting up, bringing everything from severe storms to accumulating snow and an early surge of winter cold for many regions. Travelers heading out for the holiday should plan ahead, as conditions will shift quickly from one day to the next.

The week kicks off with a potent storm system developing across Texas and pushing through the Mississippi Valley Sunday into Monday. These storms will bring gusty winds, heavy downpours, and even the potential for a tornado that can’t be ruled out. Some localized flooding will also be an area of concern. Those in the region should stay alert to rapidly changing conditions as the system intensifies.

As we move into Monday and Tuesday, attention shifts northward as another system pushes into Montana before spreading across the Northern Plains and Upper Great Lakes. Snow will accumulate across a wide area, with most locations picking up 1–4 inches, while areas closer to the Canadian border seeing around 4 inches and possibly more. This will likely cause travel delays just as holiday traffic begins to ramp up. Later in the week—Thursday into Saturday—a fast-moving clipper system charges through the Great Lakes into the Northeast. In its wake, lake-effect snow ramps up, adding additional accumulations. Most areas should expect 1–4 inches, while those closer to the lakes themselves may see 4+ inches. At the same time, a surge of cold Canadian air moves southward, settling in just in time to ensure a chilly Thanksgiving for much of the northern portion of the U.S. Temperatures will feel decisively winter-like, reinforcing that the holiday season has officially arrived. The parade of systems continues with yet another round of snow sweeping through the Plains on Friday. This storm will deliver another 1–4 inches of snow, with a light dusting spreading east into parts of the Midwest and Northeast. The Northern Rockies will also see their share of winter weather throughout the week, with several inches expected as colder air and active storm tracks persist.

All in all, it’s shaping up to be a busy, wintry week across much of the country—so bundle up, travel safely, and enjoy a cozy Thanksgiving.

By Matt K. 

Meteorologist In-Training