As millions of Americans prepare to pile into cars, shuffle through airports and line up for mashed potatoes, the Old Farmer’s Almanac has weighed in on the skies above: Thanksgiving Week, which set a travel record for the 2024 season, will be a meteorological mixed bag, with some regions cruising sun-drenched and dry, while others may face showers, flurries, even a bit of early winter mischief. According to the almanac’s long-range forecast, the conditions vary sharply by region.

East Coast & New England, Clear skies, chilly mornings
For travelers heading up the Atlantic Corridor, good news: the almanac predicts “a fair amount of sunshine” through most of the region. Expect cool mornings that slide into comfortable afternoons, just in time to carve the turkey. The almanac notes, though, a chance of unsettled weather creeping into the far Northeast before clearing for the holiday.
If you’re flying into Boston, New York or D.C., this suggests fewer weather-related delays than usual, as long as you’re bundled up until the sun pokes through.

Midwest & Ohio Valley, A flurry of possibilities
In the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley corridors, the forecast is less straightforward. The almanac predicts “light snow through the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley, then fair skies for Turkey Day.” That means if you’re driving through Michigan, northern Ohio or Indiana mid-week, you might navigate slick spots or low clouds, but come Thursday, conditions should improve. Keep a snow brush in the trunk just in case.

Southeast, Mild and travel-friendly
For the more southerly states, the forecast is comparatively mellow. The almanac forecasts “fair, then rain, then clearing in time for Thanksgiving” in the Southeast. Translation: you may encounter a shower or two as you roll down I-95 or make your turn toward the mountains, but flying should be smooth and the turkey safe. If you’re heading into Georgia, Tennessee or the Carolinas, wearing layers and keeping an umbrella handy is a smart move.

South-Central & Texas region, Warm front staying strong
In Texas, Oklahoma and the surrounding region, the prediction leans toward the un-Turkey-day-norm: mild and dry. The almanac states “fair, then rain for Texas,” with northern parts enjoying sunshine, southern portions seeing some showers. So if you’re in Dallas or Oklahoma City, you may swap your wool sweater for a long-sleeve shirt, and possibly a yard-cleanup before dessert.

Rockies, Plains & Mountain West, Winter may sneak in
Heading west into the high country and Great Plains, the almanac is casting a watchful eye. It forecasts “light snow in the Rockies, Plains, and points east” during the Thanksgiving period. If your pilgrimage winds through Denver, Cheyenne or the snowy passes of Colorado or Wyoming, be prepared for slick spots, early snow cover or unexpected cold snaps.

Northwest & Southwest, Wet coast, unsettled peaks
In the Pacific Northwest, rain has its ticket punched. The almanac calls for “unsettled, showery Thanksgiving” for Oregon, Washington and parts of Idaho. California and much of the Southwest will be on the “cold but mostly fair” side, unless a surprise storm materializes. So for route-planning on I-5 or flights along the Pacific, pack waterproof shoes and patience.

What it all means for travelers and hosts
Overall, the almanac sets a tone of “clearing toward the holiday” in many regions, meaning you should be safe to travel, but plan like you’re half expecting a wrinkle or two. In zones where light snow or rain are predicted, leaving a little extra travel time doesn’t sound like a bad idea.

Hosts aren’t off the hook either, an unplanned gust of wind or surprise flurry can affect outdoor plans, fresh-air appetizers, pot-luck pickups or that perfect pumpkin-pie photo shoot. If you’re serving your stuffing outside on the porch, maybe choose a spot under cover, just in case.

Caveats and why you should still watch your local forecast
Long-range almanac forecasts like this were built on historical patterns, solar and lunar cycles, and regional trends, rather than day-to-day radar. Some meteorologists caution that accuracy beyond two weeks can drop significantly. While the Old Farmer’s Almanac claims a high accuracy rate, independent observers note that broad outlooks are useful for “theme” planning, though specifics, like the exact hour of snow or rain, still require the local forecast.

Bottom line?
If you’re thankful for sunshine and calm travel, your best bets are the Southeast, South-Central and parts of the East Coast. If you’re venturing into the Northwest, the Rockies or the Plains, bring your extra socks and maybe drive an alternate route just in case snow or rain throw a curve. Wherever you are, the turkey-carving will go on, just maybe keep a backup plan for “dessert indoors” if the wind picks up.

So raise a glass of cranberry mock-tail, or real, if you prefer, give thanks for the grub, the company and, yes, the murky but hopeful skies above. After all, with the holiday just around the corner, the biggest certainty is this: whether it’s crisp and clear or slick and surprise-y, the bird is getting roasted, the couch is getting collapsed into, and the grateful sighs will echo no matter the forecast. Thanksgiving travel could break records again this year, so make note of the weather if you’re on the road or in the skies. Also, check out the Halloween forecast here.