A trusted forecast model since 1818 has just revealed its biggest trouble spots as millions prepare to travel around the US for Thanksgiving. The Farmers' Almanac has predicted that nearly half the US may see rain or snow showers as Americans hit the road or head to the airport between Monday, November 23 and Thanksgiving, November 26. Rain in the Pacific Northwest is expected to create poor driving conditions in Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Meanwhile, wintry conditions near the Midwest and Great Lakes may bring colder temperatures and snow showers to those traveling through Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin. A mix of rain and snow could impact travel in the Southwest, while typical late-November snow could cause travel delays in the Plains and Rockies. The Farmers' Almanac said: 'Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, so even routine late-November weather can create delays.' Last year, more than 81 million people were estimated to have traveled during the Thanksgiving holiday period.

During the same holiday week in 2025, a major winter storm stretching from coast to coast threw Thanksgiving travel into chaos as airports from New York to California issued ground stops for dangerous weather throughout the week. While certain regions of the US should expect to see rainy or snowy conditions that make travel difficult, several areas will see the opposite of 2025's chaotic holiday season. The Northeast and New England are predicted to see 'cool and mainly fair weather' this Thanksgiving, with only a chance of flurries to the north and at higher elevations.

This includes mostly clear weather for traveling in Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington DC. The Farmers' Almanac predicted that it will be generally the same for the Southeast, including in Alabama, the Carolinas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, where the forecast was described as 'mild and pleasant.' 'At this point, Thanksgiving 2026 looks more typical than turbulent. Much of the East appears cool and largely dry, the Southeast looks mild and pleasant,' the almanac revealed in a statement on Monday.

'The Plains and Rockies may deal with light snow and colder air, and the Pacific Northwest should prepare for rainy late-fall conditions. That’s a forecast many holiday travelers will gladly take.' The annual guide has been a trusty resource for gardeners, fishers, farmers and anyone planning outdoor activities since the 19th century, providing seasonal forecasts based on a formula created by founding editor David Young. The almanac claims its forecasts are accurate 80 to 85 percent of the time and are based on past weather patterns, activity on the sun and the movements of the moon and planets.

For those traveling throughout the end of the year, the almanac's winter forecast is not expected to be as favorable once the calendar changes to December. In August, the Farmers' Almanac annual winter outlook called for much more rain in the southern half of the US, and a season full of coastal storms and snow in the Northeast. The winter prediction noted that the heaviest rainfall will likely come in the Southeast and along the Gulf, in states such as Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. The Farmers' Almanac explained that the weather phenomenon El Niño has heavily influenced this year's prediction, which calls for higher-than-normal rain totals through March 2027. 'A slight change in temperature or storm direction could turn a cold rain into an icy mix - or transform a slushy snowfall into a significant winter storm,' the almanac said. 'Keep the snow shovel, rain boots and ice scraper close at hand. This winter, you may need all three.' The American Automobile Association (AAA) recommended that holiday travelers start planning their trips in September. 'Thanksgiving is the single busiest holiday for travel compared to others like Memorial Day and July 4,' AAA said. They added in a statement: 'Travelers don't need to book the first itinerary they find, but this is a good time to start researching options, comparing prices and making decisions before choices become more limited.'