As the holiday travel period begins, weather conditions across the United States may create challenges for both road and air travel over the coming days.
Saturday Conditions
Travel on Saturday is expected to be largely smooth, with only minor weather issues in some regions. Those planning trips through western states are advised to complete their journeys this weekend before more severe conditions develop next week.
In the West, light precipitation is forecast for the Pacific Northwest, including Washington, northwest Oregon, northern Idaho, and far northwest Montana. Mountain snow could create slippery conditions in higher elevations. More significant rainfall in Northern California is not anticipated until late Saturday night.
The Great Lakes region may see a cold front producing rain or snow bands, particularly in western areas. Strong northwest winds are expected in the upper Midwest, with possible lake-effect snow developing in northern Michigan later in the day.
Flight delays could occur in San Francisco, Seattle, and Colorado due to lingering effects from Friday's winds.
Sunday Forecast
Heavier rainfall is expected in Northern California on Sunday, potentially affecting the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Sierra foothills. This could lead to localized flash flooding, especially near recently burned regions. Oregon and Washington will experience rain and Cascades snow, while the northern Rockies will see increased snowfall.
In central and eastern regions, wind will be the primary concern. Strong northwest winds are anticipated in the Northeast, particularly in higher elevations from the Appalachians to New England. Some snow showers may occur in upstate New York and northern New England. Southerly winds will strengthen in the Plains from Oklahoma to Nebraska, with possible showers along the Gulf Coast.
Potential flight delays include San Francisco, Houston (due to possible low clouds or fog), Newark, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.
Monday Travel Outlook
Monday appears to be a generally favorable day for travel across most of the country.
In the West, bands of heavy rain may persist in Northern California, including the Bay Area, raising concerns about flash flooding and landslides. Washington state and western Oregon will continue to see rain and Cascades snow, while the northern Rockies will experience valley rain and mountain snow.
The South may see scattered showers in coastal Texas, Louisiana, and the lower Mississippi Valley. These should cause only minor inconvenience, though low clouds at some airports could lead to delays.
The Midwest could experience light snow, possibly mixed with sleet or freezing rain in the Great Lakes region, spreading eastward in the evening and potentially creating slippery travel conditions.
Flight delays are possible in San Francisco, Seattle, and Houston.
Tuesday Pre-Holiday Travel
This important travel day before Christmas Eve may bring more weather-related challenges in both eastern and western regions.
In the East, light snow, sleet, or freezing rain is possible in parts of the Northeast, particularly New England and interior areas from northern Pennsylvania to central and upstate New York. Some wintry precipitation could reach the New York City Tri-State area, especially early in the day. Rain showers and gusty winds may affect the mid-Atlantic, Ohio Valley, and Tennessee Valley.
The West will see a stronger storm system moving into California with heavy rain and strong winds, initially affecting Northern California before spreading to Southern California by Tuesday night. This system may also bring rain and mountain snow to parts of Washington, Oregon, northern Idaho, and far northwest Montana.
Potential flight delays include Boston, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles (later in the day), and Nashville.
Christmas Eve Conditions
The most significant travel weather issues on Christmas Eve will be concentrated in the West, though some disruptions may also occur in the Midwest.
Heavy rainfall will continue in California, affecting the Los Angeles Basin, San Diego, and the Bay Area. This precipitation may extend into parts of the Desert Southwest, including the Las Vegas Valley and possibly as far east as Phoenix. Flash flooding is possible, especially near recently burned areas. Dangerous travel conditions could develop on Interstate 80 from San Francisco through the Sierra Nevada. The Northwest and northern Rockies may again experience rain and mountain snow.
In central and eastern regions, the main concern will be areas of low clouds, fog, and light showers in parts of the Midwest as warmer, humid air moves northward. This could lead to flight delays at major transportation hubs, particularly in the morning.
Potential flight delays include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Chicago, Kansas City, and Cincinnati.
Christmas Day Weather
Challenging weather will persist in the West on Christmas Day, particularly in California, while another weather system may affect the Midwest and Northeast.
Another Pacific storm is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and significant Sierra snowfall to much of the West. This pattern of valley rain, mountain snow, and wind will extend into parts of the Northwest, Great Basin, Desert Southwest, and Rockies.
In the Midwest and Northeast, forecast models indicate possible light rain in parts of the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley during the day. By evening, some moisture may reach colder air over upstate New York and northern New England, potentially producing light freezing rain, sleet, or snow. Windy conditions are expected across much of the Plains, Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, and mid-Atlantic.
Potential flight delays include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Las Vegas, Chicago (due to wind), New York (low clouds and wind), and Philadelphia.
Travelers are advised to monitor forecast updates regularly as conditions may change. Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday season.
