Weather
Pennsylvania Thanksgiving Travel Alert: Snow, Rain Could Develop Nov. 22-28
Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania residents preparing for Thanksgiving and Black Friday travel should monitor the November 22 28 weather outlook, with rain, snow and potentially freezing rain among the po
By Lena Wood · 2026-11-14T22:57:54.210Z
Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania residents preparing for Thanksgiving and Black Friday travel should monitor the November 22 28 weather outlook, with rain, snow and potentially freezing rain among the possible conditions 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 temperatures across Pennsylvania, while portions of the state also lean toward above normal precipitation.
The precipitation outlook suggests wetter than average conditions are favored in parts of Pennsylvania, particularly toward the eastern portion of the state. Probabilities vary by location, with the broader Mid Atlantic region showing areas of 40% to 50% chances of above normal precipitation.
Meanwhile, the temperature outlook favors above normal temperatures, indicating a generally milder pattern during the Thanksgiving travel period.
Could Pennsylvania See Snow or Freezing Rain?
Despite the warmer outlook, snow remains possible, especially across northern Pennsylvania, the Pocono Mountains and higher elevations of the Alleghenies.
Communities including Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Allentown, Scranton and Philadelphia could experience rain during milder periods. However, snow or freezing rain cannot be ruled out if precipitation arrives alongside sufficiently cold air.
Above normal temperatures do not guarantee every day will remain above freezing.
NOAA's extended outlook does not specifically forecast snowfall, 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 76, Interstate 80, Interstate 81, Interstate 95 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike should monitor updated forecasts as holiday travel increases.
Rain could create wet road conditions, while snow or freezing rain could lead to slippery travel if temperatures fall sufficiently.
However, no specific winter weather event or hazardous travel period has been identified.
More detailed forecasts should clarify potential precipitation types, storm timing and travel impacts as Thanksgiving approaches.
For now, Pennsylvania faces a generally warmer outlook, with precipitation chances and possible wintry weather worth monitoring.