Christmas travel forecast shows rain, snow likely leading to delays for millions across US

Millions of people across the U.S. are preparing to travel ahead of the busy Christmas holiday, but there could be some delays on the roads and at major airports that could affect when you will finally be able to gather with friends and family.

The FOX Forecast Center isn’t expecting blockbuster storms to halt Christmas travel, but with rounds of rain and winter weather moving across the US, it could be a bit slow-going over the next few days, especially in the eastern US.

Nearly 120 million Americans are expected to travel during what is predicted to be a record-breaking 2024 holiday season.

Northeast

For those of you hoping to get an early jump on holiday travel this week in the East, some rain and snow could lead to traffic trouble on the heavily traveled Interstate 95 corridor through Friday.

The I-95 corridor from Boston through New York City and Philadelphia will likely see forecast high temperatures in the 40s on Thursday and 30s over the weekend.

South

A cold air mass is expected to move into the South and send temperatures tumbling after scattered showers on Wednesday.

The cold air will dip down to the Gulf Coast and mid-Atlantic, but it won’t have much staying power as temperatures rebound to above average next week.

Midwest

Cities across the Midwest are expected to remain cold, and snow chances will slow you down if you’re driving or catching a flight.

Chicago is expected to be in the 30s for the rest of the week, while snow could delay flights and lead to traffic delays on highways across the region.

Minneapolis can expect to see snow on Thursday before conditions improve on Friday.

Temperatures will be cold, however, so be sure to bundle up when you head outdoors.

St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri, will see a mix of sun and clouds throughout the rest of the week. Temperatures will range from the 40s and 50s on Wednesday and Thursday in Kansas City to the mid-40s in St. Louis.

West

Cities out West will experience a variety of temperatures and weather conditions, with some rain and fog leading to slowdowns in some bigger cities throughout the week.

Seattle can expect some showers and temperatures in the 50s through Friday.

Heading down the Interstate 5 corridor, Los Angeles can expect plenty of sunshine with some clouds and forecast high temperatures ranging from the mid-70s on Thursday and the upper 60s on Friday.

San Francisco will be a bit cooler, with some foggy conditions and high temperatures around 60 degrees through the end of the week.

Phoenix is expected to be sunny and warm, with temperatures getting into the 80s on Thursday, while Salt Lake City will be cooler with forecast high temperatures in the low 50s through Friday.