Weather
New Jersey Thanksgiving Travel: Mild Weather Ahead Nov. 18–24
Trenton, NJ – Thanksgiving travelers across New Jersey could experience a milder than usual stretch of late November weather from November 18–24, with above average temperatures favored and precipitat
By Caleb Mercer · 2026-11-11T05:08:42.935Z
Trenton, NJ – Thanksgiving travelers across New Jersey could experience a milder than usual stretch of late November weather from November 18–24, with above average temperatures favored and precipitation expected to remain near seasonal norms as holiday traffic begins building along the state'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 across New Jersey, while precipitation is expected to remain near normal.
The outlook suggests a relatively mild pattern ahead of Thanksgiving, although occasional rain, cooler nights and changing road conditions remain possible.
Newark, Jersey City and Northeast New Jersey Newark, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Hoboken and surrounding Essex, Hudson and Union county communities could experience temperatures running above typical late November averages.
The New Jersey Turnpike, Interstate 78, Interstate 80 and Routes 1 and 9 will be important corridors as holiday travel increases.
Occasional showers could slow traffic, particularly near Newark Liberty International Airport and major crossings into New York City.
Paterson, Hackensack and Bergen County Paterson, Hackensack, Paramus, Clifton and surrounding communities could also see milder than average conditions.
Interstate 80, Route 17, Route 4 and the Garden State Parkway are important routes for travelers moving through northern New Jersey.
Near normal precipitation does not guarantee dry weather, but it does not signal an unusually wet period.
Trenton, Princeton and Central New Jersey Trenton, Princeton, Hamilton, New Brunswick and Edison could experience relatively mild conditions during the November 18–24 period.
Interstate 295, Interstate 287, the New Jersey Turnpike and U.S. Route 1 are major travel routes connecting central New Jersey with Philadelphia and New York City.
Rain remains possible during passing weather systems, although no significant storm is established by the extended outlook.
Camden, Cherry Hill and South Jersey Camden, Cherry Hill, Mount Laurel, Washington Township and surrounding communities could see temperatures above seasonal averages.
Interstate 76, Interstate 295, Route 42 and the Atlantic City Expressway could experience increased traffic ahead of Thanksgiving.
Travelers should prepare for occasional wet roads and changing visibility if showers develop.
Atlantic City, Toms River and the Jersey Shore Atlantic City, Toms River, Brick, Long Branch and surrounding coastal communities could also experience milder weather.
The Garden State Parkway, Route 37 and the Atlantic City Expressway will be important corridors for holiday travelers.
Coastal breezes and periods of rain remain possible, but the outlook does not establish a significant coastal storm.
Sussex, Warren and Northwest New Jersey Newton, Sparta, Hackettstown and Phillipsburg could experience above average temperatures overall, although higher elevations may still see colder overnight conditions.
Interstate 80, Route 15 and Route 206 are important routes to monitor for changing weather conditions.
Thanksgiving Travel: A Milder Pattern Ahead? The outlook period ends Tuesday, November 24, two days before Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26.
For New Jersey, the main takeaway is the potential for above average temperatures and near normal precipitation during the days leading up to the holiday.
The milder pattern could make travel more comfortable than during a typical cold late November stretch, particularly for drivers crossing the state or heading into the New York and Philadelphia metropolitan areas.
However, above average temperatures do not guarantee warm conditions every day, and near normal precipitation does not rule out periods of rain.
The extended outlook also does not provide specific daily temperatures or establish conditions for Thanksgiving Day itself.
New Jersey travelers should monitor updated National Weather Service forecasts and New Jersey Department of Transportation road conditions before departing.