Cold and windy Thanksgiving expected with rainy weather forecasted in the days leading up to the holiday.
As families prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, travelers venturing to visit relatives may encounter a mix of weather conditions leading up to the festivities. Meteorologists from the National Weather Service’s Mount Holly office forecast a series of rainy days leading into Thanksgiving, with potentially light showers anticipated on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Beginning Tuesday afternoon, the Philadelphia region is expected to experience periods of rain that will extend into Wednesday. Total precipitation is projected to be approximately half an inch, though some areas may receive up to an inch of rainfall. The overall weather pattern indicates no severe conditions, although isolated instances of thunder are possible during the early hours. As temperatures rise into the upper 50s, the warm front associated with this rainfall will bring unexpectedly mild weather for mid-November.
Looking forward to Thanksgiving Day itself, the forecast indicates a shift in conditions. By late Wednesday, a cold front is set to move through the area, cooling temperatures significantly. By Thursday morning, daytime highs are projected to only reach the 40s, accompanied by breezy conditions that may create wind chills as low as the 30s. Wind gusts during the holiday may reach up to 30 mph, raising questions regarding the impact on Philadelphia’s Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. Parade organizers have yet to comment on how the anticipated winds might affect the event.
Historically, wind conditions can play a crucial role in the operations of the Thanksgiving parade. For instance, in 2019, the parade’s balloons were grounded due to gusts reaching speeds of 50 mph. This was the first time since 1997 that the balloons were not permitted to fly, illustrating the delicate balance between festive celebrations and safety concerns surrounding weather conditions.
As the holiday weekend progresses, Friday and Saturday are forecasted to deliver a taste of winter, with morning lows falling into the upper 20s—about four to six degrees below the seasonal average. Highs are expected to linger in the low to mid-40s, presenting colder temperatures than many are accustomed to for this time of year. On Sunday, while Saturday appears dry, there remains a slight likelihood of rain as milder temperatures return to the region.
In conclusion, while the immediate lead-up to Thanksgiving features rainy weather, the holiday itself looks to be marked by cooler temperatures, ensuring that travelers are advised to prepare accordingly. With winter-like conditions on the horizon, Philadelphia and its surrounding areas are looking towards a memorable Thanksgiving weekend.
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