Charleston, WV – The Appalachian region may see a mixed and occasionally wintry pattern during the Thanksgiving travel window, as new long-range federal outlooks show a near-normal to slightly above-normal precipitation signal from November 23 through November 29. With colder air brushing the higher terrain, the region faces an elevation-driven risk of wet snow or mixed precipitation, especially during overnight hours.
According to the Climate Prediction Center’s 8–14 Day Outlook, the northern and central Appalachians carry the strongest potential for wintry weather. The West Virginia mountains—including Snowshoe, Elkins, Beckley, and the high ridges along US-219—are positioned closest to reliable cold air. These locations could see periods of wet snow or a rain–snow mix, particularly late in the period as colder air deepens.
Farther south, the Virginia Highlands and Blue Ridge, including Blacksburg, Wytheville, Bedford, and portions of the I-81 corridor, may also experience a brief wintry mix. Elevation will be critical—valleys trend toward cold rain while higher terrain could see slushy accumulations if storm timing aligns with cooler nighttime conditions.
The Smoky Mountains and eastern Tennessee foothills—including Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and the high terrain near Newfound Gap—hold a realistic chance for high-elevation snow. Lower elevations such as Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Asheville lean heavily toward rain, though temperatures may briefly flirt with the mix line in the early morning.
In the southern Appalachians, including northern Georgia and far northeast Alabama, rain is the dominant outcome, but the highest peaks of Georgia’s Blue Ridge could see a short-lived mix under the right setup.
Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest travel periods along I-64, I-77, I-81, I-26, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Even light snow in higher elevations can quickly create slick spots, while steady rain may slow lower-elevation routes.
Forecasters expect more precise timing and system details early next week as short-range models begin resolving individual disturbances moving into the region.
