The Old Farmer’s Almanac Forecasts a Rainy and Snowy Thanksgiving for Nearly Everyone

Potatoes, pie, and precipitation. That’s what awaits much of the country this Thanksgiving.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac has released its end-of-month weather predictions, and while Americans prepare for family gatherings and copious amounts of food on Nov. 27, they may also want to have raincoats and snow boots at the ready.

Unless you live in two very specific parts of the country, where sunny skies are expected, most Americans should brace for wet or wintry weather. Even if you don’t get sunshine, at least the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade should go on uninterrupted.

The East Coast’s Thanksgiving forecast is the best in the country

Homeowners in states like New Jersey and New York can expect a crisp, sunny Thanksgiving. While temperatures may be colder than usual, rain and snow should stay away.

Northern New England could see some snowflakes, though nothing significant enough to disrupt holiday travel.

Outside the Northeast, the only other regions likely to see dry conditions are the Lower Lakes and Florida, a relief after an active hurricane season.

On the West Coast, a different story will unfold.

The West Coast is expected to see the wettest conditions, with heavier rainfall in the southern Pacific Northwest and steady showers across California and Nevada. Temperatures will be colder than normal, though no snow is forecast by the Almanac.

How the Heartland will fare during Thanksgiving

The rest of the country will contend with rain through the Thanksgiving weekend.

The Ohio Valley should expect a passing shower or two in the days leading up to the holiday, while southern Texas and Oklahoma may see rain closer to Thanksgiving Day—hopefully, it won’t delay the Chiefs vs. Cowboys game!

Travel in the Heartland earlier in the week should be smooth, but late-week rain could push family football games indoors. Even the Desert Southwest should prepare for an isolated shower or two.

Alaska and Hawaii are in for a wet Thanksgiving

Finally, the 49th and 50th states are both expecting stormy conditions, with Alaska likely getting the harsher end of the weather.

As colder air moves in, the Almanac predicts snow showers on and off all week. Hawaii will also see cooler-than-usual temperatures, with isolated showers on Thanksgiving Day, but the rain should be brief, leaving plenty of time for vacationers to hit the beach.

How to prepare your home before Thanksgiving

The weeks leading up to the big holiday are a great time to prep your home before winter. Getting a few projects done around the house will allow you to not only enjoy having your family over, but set you up for a less-stressful season. And if you live somewhere with snow in the early forecast, prepping is a good idea.

For example, with the leaves falling in earnest now, you've likely been clearing out your gutters on the regular. Still, once every tree is bare, it's time for one final cleanout to "avoid moisture building up against your house—and ice dams," says Derek Christian, the owner of Handyman Connection in Blue Ash, OH.

Next, if you're thinking about retrieving the family china and heirlooms to put out on the big day, a trip to the attic might be on the agenda. While you're up there, it's a good idea to make sure everything is properly insulated. This will keep the heat in, your bills low, and uninvited guests out of your home.

"Make sure any gaps and holes into your attic are sealed tight," Christian says. "As winter approaches, critters will be looking for somewhere to spend it."

Lastly, no matter how you heat your home, you’re going to want to make sure that you’re safe if a fire breaks out—especially if you're the one cooking on Thanksgiving!

"With all these heat sources in use, homeowners must take precautions to protect themselves from house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning," says Sophie Kaemmerle, a home improvement expert with NeighborWho, a property information website.