Weather
Delaware Thanksgiving Weather: Warmer Pattern, Snow Still Possible Nov. 22-28
Dover, DE – Delaware residents preparing for Thanksgiving and Black Friday travel could encounter unsettled weather during November 22 28, with rain, snow and potentially freezing rain among the condi
By Nolan Pierce · 2026-11-14T23:00:45.250Z
Dover, DE – Delaware residents preparing for Thanksgiving and Black Friday travel could encounter unsettled weather during November 22 28, with rain, snow and potentially freezing rain among the conditions worth monitoring as the holiday period approaches.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's NOAA Climate Prediction Center, eight to 14 day outlooks issued Saturday, November 14, favor above normal precipitation and temperatures across Delaware during Thanksgiving week.
The precipitation outlook places Delaware within a broader Mid Atlantic region showing approximately a 40% to 50% probability of above normal precipitation, indicating an increased likelihood of wetter than average conditions.
Meanwhile, the temperature outlook favors above normal temperatures, suggesting a generally milder pattern across the state during the holiday travel period.
Could Delaware See Snow or Freezing Rain?
Despite the warmer outlook, snow remains possible if colder air arrives while precipitation is occurring.
Northern Delaware, including Wilmington and Newark, could be more susceptible to wintry precipitation during colder periods, while Dover, Milford and coastal communities may experience more rain when temperatures remain above freezing.
Freezing rain could also become a concern if surface temperatures fall below freezing while warmer air remains overhead.
However, NOAA's extended outlook does not specifically forecast snowfall, freezing rain, ice accumulation or a winter storm.
Thanksgiving and Black Friday Travel Outlook
Thanksgiving falls Thursday, November 26, followed by Black Friday on November 27.
Drivers traveling Interstate 95, Interstate 495, U.S. Route 13 and Delaware Route 1 should monitor updated forecasts as holiday traffic increases.
Rain could produce wet roads and reduced visibility, while snow or freezing rain could create slippery conditions if temperatures become sufficiently cold.
No specific hazardous travel period has been identified for either holiday.
More detailed forecasts in the coming days should clarify precipitation types, storm timing and potential travel impacts.
For now, Delaware faces a warmer, potentially wetter Thanksgiving outlook, with winter weather possibilities still worth monitoring.