Severe weather patterns could disrupt travel plans for early Christmas travelers, with snowstorms and rain expected to hit regions from the Pacific Northwest to New England later this week. However, for those traveling closer to the holiday, current forecasts suggest fewer travel obstacles, offering some relief as Christmas approaches.
Key Weather Warnings
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued alerts for a storm system moving across the northern plains into the upper Midwest and Great Lakes, which is forecast to bring 3 to 6 inches of snow from Wednesday to Saturday morning. The northern Rockies and high plains are also bracing for strong winds and heavy snowfall that could reduce visibility and complicate travel, particularly in northern Wisconsin before the storm heads east.
As the storm system reaches New England, temperatures are expected to plummet by 15 to 20 degrees below normal, bringing single-digit cold across the region. Fortunately, this chilly weather is not predicted to last beyond the weekend.
Holiday Travel Delays
In the western U.S., Washington state, Idaho, Oregon, and Northern California are set to experience heavy rain, snow, and strong winds in the days leading up to Christmas. Mountain passes like California’s Donner Pass and Washington’s Snoqualmie Pass could pose challenges for drivers, while air travel from San Francisco to Seattle may face significant delays due to inclement weather.
On Christmas Eve, central U.S. states such as Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, and eastern Texas may encounter a weak storm system that could bring wet conditions, though it is not expected to significantly impact travel.
Warm Christmas Forecast
While some parts of the country will see winter weather, a significant portion of the U.S. is expected to experience above-average temperatures for Christmas. The Climate Prediction Center forecasts that temperatures will rise across the nation starting Christmas Eve and continuing through the end of December. Southern Florida is the only region where average temperatures are expected. Meanwhile, cities like Los Angeles could see highs in the 60s, while Chicago and New York City are predicted to be in the low-to-mid-40s. Dallas, however, is expected to surpass 70°F on Christmas Day.
Travel Trends and Expectations
AAA predicts that 119.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more for the holidays between December 21 and January 1, a record number. Of those, around 90% (107 million) are expected to drive. Lower gas prices compared to last year are providing some relief for drivers. However, road travel times could increase by up to 30% in some regions, particularly in major cities like Boston, New York City, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. AAA advises avoiding travel between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on December 23, between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. on December 22, and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on December 21.
Air Travel Surge
In terms of air travel, AAA forecasts a record 7.85 million passengers will fly this holiday season, up slightly from the previous year’s record of 7.5 million. Domestic flight prices have risen by 4% compared to last year, with average tickets now costing $830.
As millions of Americans take to the roads and skies for the holidays, weather conditions will remain a significant factor to monitor, especially for those traveling early.