With Thanksgiving just days away, millions of Americans are preparing to travel, shop and gather — but changing weather conditions could heavily influence those plans. The latest National Weather Service (NWS) forecast shows scattered thunderstorms, heavy rain, flash-flood risks and even pockets of snow across multiple regions from Texas to California through the holiday weekend.
Here’s a clear, high-readability breakdown of what to expect across major states.
Nationwide Overview
The NWS warns of:
- Scattered thunderstorms from the Texas coast to the central Appalachians
- Heavy to excessive rainfall across Southern California and the Desert Southwest
- Foggy and wet conditions in several regions, posing travel delays
- Severe hail potential in parts of Texas starting Sunday afternoon
If you’re heading out for holiday shopping or travel, keep a close eye on local forecasts throughout the weekend.
Texas, Oklahoma & Colorado: Strong Storms + Flash Flood Risk
According to NWS and the Storm Prediction Center:
- Central & North Texas may see strong-to-severe thunderstorms with heavy rainfall
- Flash flooding is possible, especially in low-lying and urban areas
- Oklahoma could see scattered flood incidents through Sunday and Monday
- Colorado’s higher elevations may experience lingering snow and mixed precipitation Sunday night into Monday
NWS Fort Worth reports:
- Widespread showers and storms expected late Sunday into Monday
- Most rain totals: 0.5″ to 3″, with a 10–20% chance of 4″ or higher near and north of I-20
- Potential for severe storms and hail Sunday afternoon and evening
California: Heavy Rain & Cyclone-Driven Weather
A strong occluded cyclone centered off northern Baja is bringing sustained rounds of rain across the state.
Here’s what to expect:
- Light to moderate rainfall spreading across the Desert Southwest early Saturday
- Bands of moderate rain with thunderstorms in Arizona by afternoon
- System moving into New Mexico by early Sunday
- Southern California will face heavy rain, raising risks of flash floods, especially around burn scars and urban areas
Meanwhile, the northern tier of the U.S. will see a cold front sweep across the north-central & northeastern states, bringing cooler temperatures and brisk winds.
Travel & Shopping Outlook for Thanksgiving Weekend
Holiday travelers should prepare for:
- Wet roads and visibility issues across the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and Plains
- Possible flood advisories in Southern California and Texas
- Delayed flights due to storms and low clouds
- Occasional storm bands hitting the Northwest on Sunday
If you plan to shop or drive long distances this weekend, the NWS recommends checking updated advisories regularly.
