Millions of people in the United States will celebrate Thanksgiving this Thursday under extreme weather conditions, with rain, snow, and an Arctic front affecting much of the continental territory throughout the long weekend.
The National Weather Service has warned that a storm already active in the west will bring up to 90 centimeters of snow to Colorado, leading to the closure of roads and highways in the metropolitan areas of Denver and Boulder, reported EFE.
This system will also affect Utah, Wyoming, and the rest of the Rocky Mountains, before moving east toward the Mississippi Valley and the states of Tennessee and Ohio.
These conditions complicate the travel plans of approximately 80 million people, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), as a significant increase in road and air travel is expected, particularly in the days following the holiday, coinciding with Black Friday.
In the Northeast and Midwest, cities like Cleveland, Maine, and parts of New England could accumulate up to 17 centimeters of snow, creating hazardous road conditions.
In the northeast and southeast, rain will be the main feature in cities like New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington, resulting in a particularly damp Thanksgiving.
On the other hand, in the central region of the country, an Arctic front will bring temperatures to unusually low levels for November, akin to the winter peaks typically seen in January.
Cities like Chicago will see temperatures drop to -1°C (30°F), and the cold will extend to Montana, Nebraska, and the Dakotas, affecting more than 190 million people by Saturday.
These conditions pose a significant challenge for travel and traditional celebrations, as authorities advise caution to those traveling by road or air.
In Florida, the NOAA weather agency forecasts a Thanksgiving Day with pleasant conditions, particularly in the southern part of the state.
The day began with comfortable temperatures around 15 °C at dawn, although there was a possibility of dense fog in areas of the southwest.
As the day progresses, temperatures will rise to around 27 °C, accompanied by mostly sunny skies, NOAA reported.
These conditions stand in stark contrast to the adverse forecasts affecting other regions of the country, providing residents and visitors in South Florida with an ideal setting for outdoor activities during the festivities.
Thanksgiving Day 2024 will be a milestone in the United States, with an estimated total of 79.9 million people traveling to celebrate this holiday.
The data from the AAA indicated that a record was approaching. The numbers reflect a 2% increase compared to the previous year and surpass the figures from before the pandemic.
For example, Miami International Airport expects to welcome 1.9 million passengers throughout the day, averaging 157,000 travelers daily, which represents a 2% increase compared to last year’s record figures.
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