With winter storm warnings active across parts of the nation and threatening up to two feet of snow, travelers are closely watching the forecast ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Meteorologists are predicting significant travel disruptions as a major storm system impacts the western United States with heavy snow and cold rain. For the Northeast, the primary concern ahead of Thanksgiving will be rain.
The storm system is expected to bring widespread rain to the Northeast on Wednesday, Nov. 26, moving toward the Atlantic coast by Thanksgiving Day. The storm may conclude with a period of snow or snow showers across northern New York and northern New England on Thursday morning.
Following the storm, gusty winds are forecast to spread from the Great Lakes into the Northeast. This could disrupt air travel and pose a hazard for high-profile vehicles. The winds may be strong enough to ground balloons at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City and the Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia.
On Thanksgiving Day, most of the Northeast is expected to be free of rain and snow. However, parts of northwestern Pennsylvania, Upstate New York, and northern sections of Vermont and New Hampshire could receive 1-3 inches of snow, while some areas in Maine could see up to 10 inches.
Travel woes may continue after the holiday. A second large storm system arriving from the west is set to bring wind, rain, ice, and snow to much of Pennsylvania and Upstate New York from Black Friday through Saturday night, with frigid temperatures affecting the rest of the Northeast.
According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, New Jersey’s Thanksgiving forecast calls for cooler-than-average temperatures but with bright skies and dry conditions, suggesting smooth travel. The Almanac also predicts a generally mild and dry winter for most of New Jersey in 2025-26. Temperatures are expected to be above normal, with the coldest periods occurring in mid-to-late December and through January.
Precipitation and snowfall are forecast to be below normal for the season. The most significant snow is anticipated in late December, early January, and late February. For context, average annual snowfall in New Jersey ranges from about 13 inches in Lambertville to over 31 inches in Newark. Last winter, Trenton recorded the highest total with 14.2 inches.
The average date for the first measurable snowfall varies across the region, typically falling between November and late December. Historically, Newark has seen its first snow as early as Oct. 20, though the average date is Nov. 9.
This year, Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, Nov. 27. AAA anticipates that 89% of holiday travelers will drive to their destinations. The winter solstice, marking the official start of winter, will occur at 10:03 a.m. EST on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025.
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