Old Farmer’s Almanac Predicts Wildly Different Thanksgiving Weather Across the U.S.

If there’s one Thanksgiving tradition Americans can always count on, it’s talking about the weather. And this year, The Old Farmer’s Almanac (OFA) is giving everyone plenty to discuss. The 2025 Thanksgiving forecast reads like a patchwork quilt — part frost, part sunshine, and a whole lot of travel uncertainty.

The OFA’s long-range outlook for the week of November 23–30, 2025, paints a divided picture across the United States: cold and snowy in the West and Northeast, mild and sunny across the South, and a mostly dry, calm stretch for much of the Midwest. Whether you’re prepping turkey in Texas or piling into the car in Boston, your plans may depend on which side of the weather map you fall.

What the Forecast Predicts

The Almanac’s seasonal models, which blend solar cycles, ocean patterns, and historical data, suggest this year’s Thanksgiving could be one of the most regionally mixed in recent memory.

• The West and Northwest: expect chilly temperatures and precipitation — rain at lower elevations and snow in the mountains.
• The Northeast and New England: colder air settles in, with light snow or flurries possible, especially in northern zones.
• The South and Southeast: clear skies, warm days, and near-perfect travel weather.
• The Midwest and Heartland: mostly dry conditions but watch for light rain or snow showers late in the week.
• The High Plains: cold, crisp air with little precipitation expected.

Region	Expected Conditions
West & Northwest	Colder and wetter with snow likely in higher elevations
Northeast & New England	Chilly, occasional flurries, especially upstate and inland
South & Southeast	Mild, sunny, and mostly dry
Midwest & Heartland	Mostly dry with a chance of light showers or drizzle late week
High Plains	Cold but clear; minimal precipitation

The result? A classic split — snow boots up north, sunglasses down south.

Key Weather Highlights

West & Northwest:
Think classic November chill — moisture-laden systems rolling off the Pacific could mean soggy commutes and slick mountain passes. Expect colder-than-normal highs and possible Thanksgiving-week snow in parts of Oregon, Idaho, and Colorado.

Northeast:
Bundle up. From Pennsylvania through Maine, temperatures are forecast to dip below seasonal averages. Northern New England and upstate New York may see light snow flurries or sleet, adding that postcard-perfect winter look (and maybe some travel delays).

South & Southeast:
If you’re spending Thanksgiving in Florida, Georgia, or Texas, you’re in luck. The OFA calls for mild, sunny conditions — ideal for travel, parades, or even an outdoor dinner. Expect highs in the 60s to low 70s, with little to no rain.

Midwest & Heartland:
Largely dry early in the week, but a weak front could bring scattered showers by the weekend. Temperatures hover near average — jacket weather, but not bone-chilling.

High Plains:
Cold and dry, with crisp air and clear skies. It’s the kind of weather that makes for good visibility but brisk outdoor temperatures — expect overnight lows well below freezing.

How Weather Could Affect Thanksgiving Travel

Thanksgiving consistently ranks as one of the busiest travel periods of the year, and weather can quickly turn a smooth trip into a logistical nightmare.

This year, airlines and drivers in the Northeast and West should brace for potential delays caused by cold fronts, wet runways, or slick roads. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (faa.gov) recommends checking flight status frequently during the holiday week and signing up for airline alerts.

In contrast, Southern and Southeastern routes look ideal for travel — mild temperatures, dry roads, and clear skies should make for easier drives and fewer flight disruptions.

AAA projects that more than 55 million Americans will travel for Thanksgiving this year, with road trips accounting for nearly 90% of journeys. For those driving through mountain passes in the West, early preparation (chains, de-icer, winter tires) is advised.

The Almanac’s Forecast Record

The Old Farmer’s Almanac, a New England institution since 1792, bases its long-range forecasts on a proprietary mix of solar activity, ocean patterns, and statistical trends. It claims about 80% historical accuracy, though meteorologists caution against taking those numbers literally.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) (weather.gov), long-range outlooks should be viewed as “broad seasonal guidance,” not precise day-to-day forecasts. Short-term local predictions — those issued within seven days — remain far more reliable.

Still, for many Americans, the OFA’s seasonal forecast remains a cherished part of holiday planning, blending tradition with practical preparation.

Preparing for Thanksgiving 2025

Whether you’re cooking at home or flying cross-country, the key to a stress-free Thanksgiving this year is flexibility.

• Check local forecasts a few days before travel — conditions can change fast.
• Book early flights or morning drives to avoid afternoon delays linked to weather and congestion.
• Pack layers — temperatures could swing dramatically across regions.
• Winterize vehicles if traveling through northern or mountain states.
• Budget extra time for holiday traffic and potential weather disruptions.

For those in the South, the main concern might just be sunscreen — for everyone else, it’s time to find that snow brush and travel mug.

Why This Thanksgiving Forecast Matters

Thanksgiving 2025 underscores how dramatically America’s climate can vary coast to coast. While some families will gather under sunny skies, others may watch flakes drift past their windows.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac says this contrast — warm air pushing up from the Gulf clashing with cold northern systems — will likely define late November weather nationwide. For travelers, that means one universal rule: check before you go.

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