Boston, MA – A sharp pattern change is on track to chill New England through Thanksgiving weekend, with early-season snow showers and freezing rain possible across northern areas by late Saturday. A reinforcing Arctic front arriving from Canada will deliver the coldest air of the season so far, setting up a challenging travel period for millions heading home from the holiday.
According to the National Weather Service in Gray, ME, below-normal temperatures are favored from Maine to Massachusetts between November 28 and December 4, with highs dipping into the 30s and low 40s. Several days of subfreezing highs are possible in northern Vermont and northern New Hampshire, while interior Maine could see overnight lows in the teens. The Climate Prediction Center also highlights above-normal precipitation across much of the region, signaling potential for snow or a rain–snow mix during peak return travel Sunday.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, drivers should prepare for wet-to-slick transitions on I-89, I-91, and I-95 if precipitation overlaps with the cold air mass. Air travel could also face minor delays as colder air increases de-icing requirements at Boston Logan and Manchester airports.
Travelers are urged to monitor updated advisories, allow extra time for post-Thanksgiving travel, and keep vehicles winter-ready. Experts recommend packing emergency kits, dressing in layers, and protecting outdoor plumbing as temperatures fall sharply late in the weekend.
