Will It Rain on Thanksgiving Day? USA Forecast 2025 Outlook

Will it rain on Thanksgiving Day? That is the big question as a strong cold front sweeps across the United States during the week of the holiday. Early forecasts show that most of the country will be dry on Thanksgiving itself, but there are key regions that still face rain, snow, and wind.

Meteorologists with the National Weather Service and major outlets say the busiest travel days will see the worst weather. A large storm will cross the central and eastern United States from Monday through Wednesday, bringing rain, thunderstorms, and some snow. Behind that system, colder air rushes in for Thanksgiving Day, especially east of the Mississippi River.

Where Will It Rain On Thanksgiving Day Across The U.S.?

Forecast guidance shows that the main storm system will move across the country before Thanksgiving Day. Early in the week, heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in the southern Plains, lower Mississippi Valley, and Southeast. Parts of Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and surrounding states may see downpours and some strong storms as the cold front pushes through.

By Tuesday and Wednesday, the rain spreads into the Midwest, Ohio Valley, and much of the East Coast. Cities such as Chicago, Atlanta, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. could see wet roads and airport delays. Lake-effect snow may begin to form downwind of the Great Lakes as colder air flows over the warmer water.

On Thanksgiving Day itself, the overall picture improves for most of the Lower 48. Forecasts from federal and private weather services agree that a large part of the central and eastern United States will be dry. From the central Plains through the Midwest, Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and much of the South, conditions should be cold but mainly quiet.

There are important exceptions. The Pacific Northwest is likely to see rain at low elevations and snow in the Cascades and northern Rockies. Parts of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and western Montana may deal with wet roads and slick mountain passes. In the Great Lakes and northern New England, lingering lake-effect snow and gusty winds could still create travel issues.

In some coastal Southeast areas and parts of Florida, a trailing front could keep scattered showers around. These will be hit or miss, but they could affect outdoor meals or late-day travel for a few communities. Overall, though, the heaviest rain should already be gone from the eastern half of the country by the time families sit down to Thanksgiving dinner.

How Thanksgiving Weather Will Feel Across Different Regions

Temperatures will be a major story this year. An arctic air mass is expected to surge south and east during the week, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures for many states. Forecast maps show below normal readings for much of the northern and central United States from Thanksgiving into the weekend.

In the northern Plains and Upper Midwest, many locations may stay below freezing during the afternoon on Thanksgiving. Highs in the teens and 20s are possible in parts of the Dakotas, Minnesota, and northern interior regions. Wind chills will make it feel even colder for anyone attending outdoor events or football games.

From the Great Lakes into the Ohio Valley, highs are expected to range from the upper 20s to the 30s and low 40s. Cities such as Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, and Cincinnati should be dry but quite chilly. That means coats, hats, and gloves for any parade watching or backyard football.

Along the East Coast, temperatures will vary from north to south. New England may sit in the 30s and low 40s with some light snow or flurries in the higher elevations and favored lake-effect belts. The Mid-Atlantic should see highs in the 40s and 50s, while the Southeast ranges from the 50s and 60s into the 70s or even low 80s in parts of Florida.

The western United States tells a different story. Much of California, Nevada, and the Southwest looks warmer than average with dry conditions for most low elevations. Highs in many western valleys and coastal areas will be in the 60s and 70s. Mountain regions, including the Rockies and Sierra Nevada, will be colder with near-freezing highs and periods of snow at higher elevations.

For travelers, the main takeaway is timing. The worst conditions for roads and airports are expected Monday through Wednesday, not on Thanksgiving Day itself. Still, anyone heading into the Pacific Northwest, northern Rockies, Great Lakes snowbelts, or northern New England should keep a close eye on local forecasts for rain, snow, and wind.

In summary, will it rain on Thanksgiving Day? For most of the United States the answer is no, as the main storm moves out and colder, drier air settles in. However, the Pacific Northwest, parts of the Great Lakes, and some areas of New England and the Southeast may still see rain or snow, so travelers and hosts should stay weather aware as the holiday approaches.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Will it rain on Thanksgiving Day in most of the United States?

Most Americans will see dry weather on Thanksgiving Day. The main storm clears out before the holiday for much of the central and eastern U.S. Only a few regions, such as the Pacific Northwest and some northern areas, keep rain or snow chances.

Q2: Which areas are most likely to see rain or snow on Thanksgiving?

The Pacific Northwest has the highest chance for steady rain and mountain snow. Parts of the northern Rockies, Great Lakes snowbelts, and northern New England may see snow showers and gusty winds. Some coastal Southeast and Florida locations could also see scattered showers.

Q3: What days will be the worst for Thanksgiving travel weather?

Forecasts point to Monday through Wednesday as the toughest travel days. A large storm will bring rain, thunderstorms, and some snow across the central and eastern United States. Thanksgiving Day itself should be calmer for most major routes and airports.

Q4: How cold will it be on Thanksgiving Day?

Cold air will grip much of the northern and eastern United States. Highs in the teens and 20s are possible in the northern Plains, with 30s and low 40s in parts of the Midwest and Great Lakes. The East Coast will range from 30s and 40s in the north to 50s, 60s, and even 70s or 80s in the Southeast and Florida.

Q5: What should travelers and families do to prepare for Thanksgiving weather?

Plan for cold conditions, especially if you live east of the Rockies. Check updated local forecasts from the National Weather Service and trusted outlets before you travel. Allow extra time on the roads early in the week, and be ready for snow or wind if you are heading into the Great Lakes, New England, or the Northwest.

References

The Washington Post. (2025). Will your Thanksgiving be rainy and cold? An early look at the holiday forecast. November 21, 2025.

AccuWeather. (2025). Thanksgiving travel may be slowed by cross-country storm next week. November 20, 2025.

Weather.com. (2025). Thanksgiving Travel Forecast: Could Weather Delay Your Trip? November 17, 2025.

Newsweek. (2025). Maps show Thanksgiving weather outlook for every state. November 20, 2025.