Old Farmer’s Almanac Thanksgiving forecast: East stays dry,West gets drenched

WASHINGTON — Americans traveling for Thanksgiving this year can expect a mix of weather across the country, with sunshine likely in much of the East, and wet conditions in the West, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Founded in 1792, The Old Farmer’s Almanac is the longest continuously published periodical in North America. Its long-range forecasts are often viewed with skepticism by meteorologists, but remain a popular planning tool online for travelers, gardeners and farmers.

If predictions are accurate, most of the East Coast can expect to enjoy bright skies and dry roads throughout Thanksgiving week. Cooler-than-average temperatures are predicted in New England, the High Plains and much of the western U.S., while warmer air is likely to settle over Texas, the Deep South and the Desert Southwest. 

Snow is possible in northern New England, the Upper Midwest and the Intermountain West, especially in higher elevations. Alaska will also see snow showers through the week, with slick conditions possible. 

In the Northeast, conditions will be colder than usual with a chance for snow in northern parts of New England.

The Atlantic Corridor is expected to stay dry, with a mild start to the week followed by cooler air by the holiday. 

Throughout the Appalachians, sunshine is expected, with northern stretches turning colder and southern parts remaining seasonably warm.

The West Coast is forecast to see the heaviest rainfall, especially in the southern Pacific Northwest and throughout California and Nevada. Rain may also fall in the Desert Southwest, southern Texas, the Ohio Valley and parts of the Heartland, mostly midweek. While none of the storms are expected to be severe, travelers in those areas should keep an eye on local advisories for delays or slow-moving traffic.

The Southeast begins the week with chillier weather, but gradually gets warmer by Thanksgiving. Florida is expected to have comfortable sunshine with no rain in sight.

Much of the Midwest is expected to have calmer weather. The Lower Lakes and Ohio Valley are forecast to stay sunny and warmer than usual, though brief showers could pass through midweek. The Upper Midwest may experience occasional snow flurries, especially in northern areas, but overall conditions remain mild. In the Heartland, travelers can expect warmer-than-normal temperatures early in the week, though rain could develop toward the end.

Texas and Oklahoma will see a “north-south split,” with sunny skies in the north and the possibility of scattered showers farther south. The High Plains will stay cold but dry, allowing for good visibility and road conditions. 

The Intermountain West will be colder with a chance of rain and snow, particularly in mountain passes where travel may be briefly disrupted. 

In the Pacific Northwest, rain is expected for most of the week, with the south experiencing colder-than-normal temperatures. California and the Pacific Southwest will also see scattered rain and cooler conditions that could affect outdoor gatherings and increase traffic. Alaska will be colder with off-and-on snow showers, while Hawaii is forecast to have mild conditions with the occasional shower.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac notes that its long-range forecasts are helpful for planning, but they are not a substitute for updated local forecasts. Travelers are advised to check daily weather updates as the holiday approaches to stay ahead of any potential disruptions.

The Old Farmers’ Almanac, like its similarly named competitor the Farmers’ Almanac, relies on a closely-guarded proprietary formula to make its predictions. 

The Old Farmers’ Almanac, which has published long-range forecasts since 1792, relies on solar activity, climatology and meteorology to predict seasonal trends. While it does not provide daily forecasts, the publication says its long-range predictions are designed to help farmers, gardeners, travelers and weather watchers prepare for what lies ahead.

The 2026 edition of The Old Farmer’s Almanac is now available in print and digital formats, with the complete winter map and detailed monthly forecasts for all 18 U.S. regions.