This holiday season, millions of Americans are hitting the road for Christmas, but weather concerns could complicate their travel plans. Although there are no significant storms forecast, rain and winter weather are predicted to cause delays, particularly across the eastern United States. According to AAA, an astonishing 120 million people are expected to travel in the United States this Christmas, marking a record high for the holiday season.
If you’re planning to travel this week, it’s wise to be aware of the potential trouble spots. Weather disturbances are expected in the West and the southern Plains, which may hinder travel. Fortunately, most of the central and eastern U.S. should experience relatively pleasant weather on Christmas Day, making it easier for family gatherings and holiday festivities.
As Christmas approaches, cities like Atlanta and Chicago may encounter brief light rain, but this is not expected to create major travel issues. On Wednesday, clearer weather is anticipated, promising a smoother travel experience for those on the road.
Snowfall Impacts in the Northeast
Recently, several inches of snow impacted parts of the Northeast, catching many travelers off-guard during this crucial travel period. Snow extended into the Interstate 95 corridor, affecting major cities from Philadelphia to Boston, causing slippery road conditions. Reports indicate that areas of eastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and eastern Connecticut received between 3 to 6 inches of snow over the weekend. Boston’s well-known Fenway Park recorded around 6 inches, while Logan Airport noted 5.2 inches, marking the largest snowfall since the blizzard of January 2022.
As the weather system moves towards Christmas Eve, another round of snow is set to affect similar areas in the Northeast. A low-pressure system moving from the Great Lakes is anticipated to spread moderate snow across states like Wisconsin and Michigan. This snowy weather will reach the Northeast overnight and continue through Christmas morning.
Winter weather advisories are in place from Wisconsin all the way to Maine, affecting parts of the mid-Atlantic region, including cities like Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Travelers should exercise caution due to the possibility of freezing rain, sleet, and light snow contributing to icy roads. Fortunately, the wintry mix is expected to taper off later in the day on Christmas Eve, allowing travelers to avoid major road issues during the second half of the day.
Rain and Snow on the West Coast
The West Coast is bracing for a series of storms this week, which could produce significant rain and snowfall. moderate rain is expected, particularly from San Francisco to Seattle, and residents should be on alert for possible flash flooding in vulnerable areas. Northern California and coastal Oregon could see up to 6 inches of rain by Tuesday, leading to possible flight delays at major airports such as Seattle’s Sea-Tac and the San Francisco Bay Area airports.
Higher elevations, especially in the Cascade Mountains, will likely experience substantial snowfall, which may create travel challenges for those returning home for the holidays. Another wave of rain and mountain snow is likely to hit the region on Christmas Day, further complicating travel plans after gatherings.
Thunderstorms in the South
A new storm system developing over the Gulf of Mexico could result in scattered showers and thunderstorms from Texas to southern Missouri. Rain is expected to persist through Christmas Eve, with the Ark-La-Tex region forecasted to receive 2 to 3 inches. Although some of the storms could become severe, bringing gusty winds and heavy rain, this precipitation is much-needed relief for an area currently facing drought conditions.
Warm Weather Ahead
Looking ahead, forecasters anticipate a warm-up to close out the year, with temperatures expected to rise significantly as we approach New Year’s 2025. Meteorologists are detecting the formation of a robust Pacific jet stream that could usher in a warm air mass across much of the contiguous United States. This might bring above-average temperatures and increased storm activity, leading to a milder winter overall.
NOAA’s predictions indicate that widespread warm weather could touch nearly the entire Lower 48, and we may see high temperatures soar 10 to 20 degrees above average for many regions. It looks like early 2025 could surprise us with an unexpected burst of warmth.
