As Christmas approaches, many are eagerly preparing for cozy gatherings, festive meals, and joyful reunions with family and friends. However, the holiday season also brings one of the busiest travel periods of the year—and with it, a host of weather-related disruptions. Whether you're flying or driving, unpredictable weather patterns in the coming days could cause significant delays, making it important to stay informed and prepared.
According to AAA, nearly 120 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles between now and New Year’s Day, setting the stage for what is predicted to be the busiest holiday travel season on record. While many will take to the roads (with 90% of travelers opting to drive), a significant portion will also be flying, and these high numbers combined with inclement weather could lead to serious disruptions. Here’s a closer look at what weather conditions might impact travel in the next few days and what you can expect:
Friday: Wintry Mix and Ice Across the Northeast and Midwest
As the holiday travel rush kicks off, Friday could be a day full of weather-related headaches. In the Midwest and Great Lakes, a lingering snowstorm will continue to affect cities like Minneapolis and Chicago. In Chicago, early morning crashes and slick roads were already causing trouble, and forecasters predict freezing drizzle and accumulating snow could disrupt travel throughout the day.
Airports in the Northeast, including LaGuardia and Newark, could see delays as rain transitions to snow, particularly later in the day. According to the FAA, between 5 p.m. and midnight, over 1,600 flights pass through the Northeast airspace each day, and winter weather can cause cascading delays, which is already a common issue during the holidays. While snow accumulation in New York City is expected to be light, any snow could be disruptive due to the sheer volume of air traffic.
For drivers, black ice is a real concern, especially for those venturing out in the early morning hours. By the evening, the weather will likely shift from rain to snow along the coast, further complicating travel.
Saturday: Arctic Cold and Snow for Many
Saturday will see colder temperatures sweeping across the East Coast, with Arctic air pushing highs down by 15 to 20 degrees below normal. This could create hazardous conditions for both travelers on the roads and at airports. The combination of snowfall from the Great Lakes region and lake-effect snow along the Northeast could make driving treacherous, particularly in Buffalo and Cleveland.
For those heading to the West Coast, a series of atmospheric rivers will begin pushing through, bringing heavy rain and snow to the Northwest and parts of California. Flooding risks and mountain snow will be an ongoing concern, particularly in areas like the Cascades and Sierra Nevada.
Travelers should plan for a bumpy ride as conditions worsen throughout the day. AAA suggests leaving early, as conditions will deteriorate in the afternoon and evening.
Sunday: The Coldest Day on the East Coast
As Sunday arrives, wind chill will make it feel even colder, especially for travelers in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. With temperatures dropping into the single digits inland and teens along the coast, Sunday could be the coldest day of the season for many in the East.
Despite the cold, travel congestion will remain high as many families head out on their holiday journeys. Drivers should be prepared for possible delays, especially if snow continues to affect the Northern Rockies. Lake-effect snow could continue to impact travel through the Great Lakes, but the real storm activity will begin to pick up later in the day across the Northwest.
Monday and Christmas Eve: Winter Storms and Severe Weather Risks
By Monday, a warmer storm system will begin pushing through the Midwest, bringing a wintry mix that will continue to move toward the Great Lakes and the Northeast on Christmas Eve. Severe storms are a possibility, particularly in the South, which could bring flooding and difficult driving conditions.
If you're traveling during these days, be prepared for both delays and shifting weather patterns. The placement of these storms is still uncertain, so you may want to check your travel routes and flight status regularly for updates.
Christmas Day and Beyond: A Strong Storm System for the West Coast
As Christmas Day arrives, the West Coast will face its most intense weather event of the holiday season. A strong atmospheric river is expected to bring heavy rainfall and snow to the Northwest and Northern California, leading to possible flooding and significant mountain snow.
This storm system will likely cause flight delays and difficult driving conditions, particularly in higher altitudes and coastal areas. By Thursday, as travel congestion picks back up, weather conditions will continue to be a major factor in shaping the travel experience for many.
What You Can Do to Prepare for Travel Disruptions
While it’s impossible to control the weather, being prepared can help minimize the impact of delays. Here are a few tips:
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Check the Weather Regularly: Keep an eye on the forecast, especially for your route or flight. Conditions can change rapidly, so staying informed will help you adapt to any last-minute adjustments.
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Leave Extra Time: Whether you’re traveling by car or plane, plan for potential delays. Traffic, snow, and airport congestion are all common during the holidays.
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Dress in Layers: With temperatures fluctuating from region to region, it's essential to pack clothing for both cold and warm weather. Also, ensure you have winter accessories like gloves, hats, and scarves if you’re heading to colder regions.
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Prepare for Flight Delays: If you’re flying, arrive early and be ready for potential delays, especially in major hubs like Chicago, New York, and San Francisco. If possible, book a direct flight to reduce the risk of missed connections.
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Road Safety: If you’re driving, make sure your vehicle is winter-ready. Pack emergency supplies like water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and a blanket in case of unexpected delays.
Looking Ahead: The Warm-Up After Christmas
While travel disruptions will persist through the holiday period, there is good news after Christmas. Forecasters predict above-average temperatures for much of the Midwest and Central U.S., which could improve conditions for travelers, especially those hitting the roads.
However, the West Coast will continue to deal with heavy storms, meaning travelers in that region should expect more weather-related challenges in the days following Christmas.
Final Thoughts
As you plan your holiday travel, it’s important to factor in the potential for inclement weather. While you can’t control the storms, you can control how prepared you are. Keep an eye on the forecast, leave extra time, and ensure your vehicle or flight itinerary is flexible enough to handle unexpected delays. With a little bit of preparation, you can still make the most of the holiday season—no matter what the weather brings.
Travel Resources
For real-time flight updates, weather forecasts, and the latest information on potential disruptions, check out:
- AAA Travel for road condition updates and travel tips: AAA Travel
- FAA’s Flight Delay Information: FAA Delay Map
- National Weather Service for regional weather updates: National Weather Service
Travel smart and stay safe this holiday season!
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