The Old Farmer’s Almanac released a long range Thanksgiving 2026 weather forecast that calls for a patchwork of snow, rain and sunshine across the US. The outlook, drawn from the Almanac’s long range book, warns that conditions will vary sharply by region.
The Upper Midwest is singled out for snow and chillier than normal temperatures on Thanksgiving Day, the Almanac says. The Lower Lakes region, including Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit and Chicago, faces a chance of rain and snow and cooler air. The forecast advises travelers in those areas to allow extra time.
The East Coast looks mostly wet on the holiday in the Almanac’s outlook. Rain is expected across much of the Northeast and the Atlantic Corridor from Boston to Washington, D.C. Temperatures there should remain mild, though the Northeast could also see some snow around the holiday.
The Southeast and Florida are forecast to see showers accompanied by warm conditions, while the Heartland covering St. Louis, Kansas City and Omaha should expect rain and cooler weather. The Pacific Northwest is listed for rain with periods of heavier rainfall and generally mild temperatures, and Hawaii could see isolated showers.
Sunshine is forecast across large portions of the West and some southern areas. The High Plains including Denver, Billings and Rapid City are expected to be sunny and very warm. The Desert Southwest and Pacific Southwest should see sunny skies and warm holiday conditions, with cooler conditions in northern portions of that region.
Travel Implications And Practical Advice
The Almanac notes snow could pop up elsewhere during Thanksgiving week, including the Appalachians, Lower Lakes and the Atlantic Corridor, and Alaska. In Alaska the Panhandle should see rain and milder temperatures while the rest of the state faces snow showers and colder conditions, the forecast states.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac emphasizes that this is a long range outlook and not a short term National Weather Service forecast. Travelers should check local weather guidance closer to Thanksgiving Day, especially where rain or snow is possible, the Almanac advises.
