Travel

Thanksgiving travel forecast: A chance of rain, snow for Rochester around the holiday

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24 hours ago

November 22, 2024

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Thanksgiving travel forecast: A chance of rain, snow for Rochester around the holiday

A record-breaking number of Americans are expected to travel for Thanksgiving this year, but what will the forecast hold for those traveling in the Rochester area?

It’s early days on the forecast for the November holiday, but there’s a slight risk of heavy snow in the Northeast during the Turkey Day travel period, according to the National Weather Service. It’s early to know exactly what that will mean for Rochester, but the forecast indicates an increased risk of cold and unsettled weather for much of the country.

Thanksgiving travel forecast

Most of upstate New York is in a slight risk (20-40%) of heavy snow, along with parts of northwest Pennsylvania and interior of New England for the period between Nov. 27 and Dec. 3. Temperatures are likely to be below average across the state following Thanksgiving, in conjunction with the chance of heavy snow.

The AccuWeather holiday travel forecast expects rain and snow showers for western New York on Nov. 26 and 27, with brisk and chilly temperatures. The Great Lakes region in general is expected to see storms, with rain south of the lakes and mix for latitudes north of Lake Erie’s southern reaches.

The AccuWeather forecast doesn’t predict any widespread precipitation for our region on Thanksgiving day, though flurries are possible east of Lake Ontario and in the North Country. In the days after Thanksgiving, conditions are forecast to be wet at times, but without any of the bitter cold expected in the middle of the country.

“Pack a waterproof jacket or coat if you’re heading out shopping on Black Friday or during the holiday weekend. It could be wet across much of the eastern third of the country,” said Paul Pastelok, AccuWeather lead long-range expert, in a statement.

Thanksgiving Day forecast for Rochester, NY

The early forecast for Thanksgiving from the National Weather Service in Buffalo calls for a chance of rain and snow showers, with a high of 39 degrees. The chance of precipitation sits around 40%. Rochester is still waiting on its first flake of the season; the previous record for latest first flake was Nov. 20, set in 1918.

The AccuWeather forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies and a high of 38 degrees, with mild wind and just a 25% probability of precipitation during the day. By the evening, the precipitation probability jumps to 76%, with rain followed by snow and rain late and a temperature of 34 degrees.

Thanksgiving Day forecast for Syracuse, NY

Are you traveling upstate for the holidays? The Weather Service expects similar conditions further east on the New York State Thruway in Syracuse, with 39 degrees for a high. The chance of precipitation is higher, however, at 50% under mostly cloudy skies.

AccuWeather forecasts near-identical conditions for Thanksgiving during the day in Syracuse as in Rochester, with 38 degrees for a high and a 25% probability of precipitation. The evening forecast maintains the chance of precipitation, however, with a colder overnight low of 30 degrees.

Thanksgiving Day forecast for Buffalo, NY

How will weather look to the west? A similar Weather Service forecast is in the works for Buffalo on Thanksgiving as in Rochester, with a 50% chance of rain and snow showers. High temperatures will approach 40 degrees with mostly cloudy conditions.

The AccuWeather forecast for Buffalo on Nov. 28 anticipates slightly warmer temperatures, peaking at 42 degrees, with no precipitation expected during the day. The evening forecast is similarly quiet, with a 35-degree low and 25% probability of precipitation.

— Steve Howe reports on weather, climate and the Great Lakes for the Democrat and Chronicle. An RIT graduate, he has covered myriad topics over the years, including public safety, local government, national politics and economic development in New York and Utah.