Thanksgiving Weather History: Storms, Cold, and Records

Why this matters: Understanding historical weather patterns can help travelers and families prepare for potential disruptions during the Thanksgiving holiday. Knowing the risks associated with different weather events can inform safety precautions and travel plans.

Thanksgiving weather history is marked by a series of significant events across the United States. The Great Appalachian Storm of 1950 brought blizzard conditions and hurricane-force winds to the eastern U.S., causing widespread damage and hundreds of deaths. The Thanksgiving Week Bomb Cyclone of 2019 disrupted travel in the western U.S. with heavy snow and high winds. In 1992, nearly 100 tornadoes ripped through the Southeast and Ohio Valley causing significant damage and fatalities.

Even the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been impacted by weather. In 1997, high winds caused injuries when a balloon hit a lamppost. This led to the implementation of safety measures to prevent future incidents. New York City also experienced its coldest Thanksgiving since 1900 in 2018.

Looking ahead, a potentially weakening polar vortex could bring colder and snowier conditions to parts of the northern U.S. during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. This highlights the importance of staying informed about weather forecasts and being prepared for potential travel delays or disruptions.

The coldest Thanksgiving in Coeur d'Alene was Nov. 28, 1985, with a low temperature of -2 degrees Fahrenheit.

The warmest Thanksgiving in Louisville was Nov. 26, 1896, with a high temperature of 73 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Great Appalachian Storm of 1950 was a major storm that brought blizzard conditions and hurricane-force winds to the eastern United States during Thanksgiving week.

What are your memorable Thanksgiving weather experiences? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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