Weather
Connecticut Thanksgiving Travel: Dry Weather Favored Nov. 18–24
Hartford, CT – Thanksgiving travelers across Connecticut could see a warmer, potentially drier stretch of late November weather from November 18–24, with above average temperatures and below average p
By Natalie Rhodes · 2026-11-11T05:08:23.401Z
Hartford, CT – Thanksgiving travelers across Connecticut could see a warmer, potentially drier stretch of late November weather from November 18–24, with above average temperatures and below average precipitation favored as holiday traffic begins building across the state.
According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, the extended outlook for Wednesday, November 18, through Tuesday, November 24, favors above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation across Connecticut.
The combination suggests a relatively mild and less unsettled weather pattern ahead of Thanksgiving. Although occasional rain and cooler nights remain possible, the broader outlook does not indicate an unusually wet period.
Hartford, West Hartford and Central Connecticut Hartford, West Hartford, East Hartford, Manchester and surrounding communities could experience temperatures above typical late November averages.
Interstate 84, Interstate 91 and Route 2 will be important travel corridors as Thanksgiving traffic increases.
Below normal precipitation could mean fewer widespread rain interruptions, although drivers should still prepare for occasional wet roads.
New Haven, Milford and South Central Connecticut New Haven, Milford, West Haven, Hamden and surrounding communities could also experience a milder than average stretch.
Interstate 95, Interstate 91 and the Wilbur Cross Parkway are major routes connecting south central Connecticut with New York and Massachusetts.
The drier outlook could be welcome news for travelers navigating the region's busy highway interchanges.
Bridgeport, Fairfield and Southwestern Connecticut Bridgeport, Fairfield, Stratford, Trumbull and surrounding communities could see above average temperatures during the November 18–24 period.
Interstate 95 and the Merritt Parkway are important travel corridors where congestion often increases during holiday departure periods.
Although precipitation is favored to remain below normal, passing showers cannot be ruled out.
Stamford, Norwalk and the New York Metro Corridor Stamford, Norwalk, Greenwich, Darien and surrounding Fairfield County communities could experience relatively mild conditions ahead of Thanksgiving.
Interstate 95 and the Merritt Parkway will carry travelers heading toward New York City, Westchester County and other parts of the Northeast.
Fewer widespread precipitation events could reduce weather related interruptions, although traffic delays may still occur regardless of conditions.
Waterbury, Danbury and Western Connecticut Waterbury, Danbury, New Milford, Torrington and surrounding communities could also experience above average temperatures and below normal precipitation.
Interstate 84, Route 7 and Route 8 are important routes for travelers crossing western Connecticut.
Higher terrain could still experience colder overnight temperatures, even during an overall warmer than normal pattern.
Norwich, New London and Eastern Connecticut Norwich, New London, Groton, Mystic and surrounding communities could see relatively mild weather during the preholiday period.
Interstate 95, Interstate 395 and Route 2 will be important corridors for travelers heading toward Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.
Coastal breezes and occasional showers remain possible, but the extended outlook favors less precipitation than normal overall.
Thanksgiving Travel: Warmer and Drier Conditions Ahead? The outlook period ends Tuesday, November 24, two days before Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26.
For Connecticut, the primary takeaway is the potential for above average temperatures and below average precipitation during the days leading up to the holiday.
That combination could provide relatively comfortable travel conditions and fewer widespread weather related disruptions compared with a colder, wetter late November pattern.
However, below normal precipitation does not guarantee completely dry weather, and above normal temperatures do not mean every day will be warm.
The outlook also does not establish specific daily temperatures or guarantee favorable conditions on Thanksgiving Day itself.
Connecticut travelers should monitor updated National Weather Service forecasts and Connecticut Department of Transportation traffic information before departing.