Weather
Massachusetts Thanksgiving Travel: Mild Weather Pattern Nov. 18–24
Boston, MA – Thanksgiving travelers across Massachusetts could experience a warmer, potentially drier stretch of late November weather from November 18–24, with above average temperatures and below av
By Jordan Mercer · 2026-11-11T05:08:13.413Z
Boston, MA – Thanksgiving travelers across Massachusetts could experience 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 increasing along some of New England's busiest highways.
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 Massachusetts.
The combination points toward a relatively mild preholiday pattern, with fewer opportunities for widespread precipitation than during a typical late November period. However, occasional rain, chilly nights and changing conditions remain possible.
Boston, Cambridge and Greater Boston Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Quincy, Brookline and surrounding communities could experience temperatures above typical late November averages.
Interstate 93, Interstate 90, Interstate 95 and Route 1 will be important travel corridors as residents prepare for Thanksgiving.
Below normal precipitation could mean fewer rain related interruptions, although traffic congestion may remain significant regardless of weather.
Worcester, Framingham and Central Massachusetts Worcester, Framingham, Marlborough, Shrewsbury and surrounding communities could also experience milder than average conditions.
Interstate 90, Interstate 290 and Interstate 495 are major routes connecting central Massachusetts with Boston, western Massachusetts and neighboring states.
The drier outlook could provide more opportunities for comfortable travel, although occasional showers remain possible.
Springfield, Holyoke and Western Massachusetts Springfield, Chicopee, Holyoke, Westfield and Northampton could see temperatures running above seasonal averages during November 18–24.
Interstate 91, Interstate 90 and Interstate 291 will be important routes for holiday travelers.
While the outlook favors a relatively mild pattern, colder overnight temperatures remain possible, especially away from urban areas.
Pittsfield, North Adams and the Berkshires Pittsfield, North Adams, Great Barrington and surrounding Berkshire County communities could experience above average temperatures and below normal precipitation.
Higher elevations may still see colder conditions than lower lying communities.
Travelers using Interstate 90, Route 7 and Route 2 should monitor local forecasts, particularly during overnight and early morning trips.
Lowell, Lawrence and the Merrimack Valley Lowell, Lawrence, Haverhill, Methuen and surrounding communities could also experience a milder preholiday stretch.
Interstate 495, Interstate 93 and Interstate 95 will carry travelers heading between Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine.
Below normal precipitation suggests fewer widespread wet weather interruptions, but it does not guarantee dry roads throughout the period.
Plymouth, Cape Cod and Southeastern Massachusetts Plymouth, Brockton, Taunton, Barnstable, Falmouth and Hyannis could experience above average temperatures as Thanksgiving approaches.
Route 3, Interstate 495, U.S. Route 6 and the Bourne and Sagamore bridges will be important routes for holiday travelers.
Coastal breezes and occasional rain remain possible, although the extended outlook does not indicate an unusually wet pattern.
Thanksgiving Travel: Warmer and Drier Conditions Ahead? The forecast period ends Tuesday, November 24, two days before Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26.
For Massachusetts, 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, stormier late November pattern.
However, below normal precipitation does not guarantee completely dry weather, and above normal temperatures do not eliminate the possibility of brief colder periods.
The extended outlook also does not provide specific daily temperatures or establish conditions for Thanksgiving Day itself.
Massachusetts travelers should monitor updated National Weather Service forecasts and Massachusetts Department of Transportation road conditions before departing.