Rain is possible across Gulf Coast during Thanksgiving drive times, then temps will drop
Anyone planning to join the estimated 55 million people traveling for Thanksgiving should keep an eye on the latest weather forecasts.
Unfortunately for drivers, there’s a chance of rain showers on the Gulf Coast on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday — some of the busiest travel days of the year.
The annual travel forecast from AAA says 2019 could be the second-highest amount of Turkey Day travelers since it started keeping track in 2000. Low gas prices and “strong economic fundamentals are motivating Americans to venture out this holiday in near-record numbers,” AAA said.
A cold front and storm system is moving the central and southeast U.S. on Tuesday and Wednesday, and again on Saturday and Sunday, the National Weather Service predicts, which could also bring delays for air travelers.
There was a slight chance of severe weather mostly west and north of the Coast on Tuesday, but South Mississippi was in the marginal-risk area for both Tuesday and Wednesday.
Harrison County has a 60% chance of rain Wednesday, but the rain should clear the area by rush hour.
The weather service in New Orleans said it was possible the high temperature Tuesday and Wednesday could set a record for warmth before dropping a bit after the front moves through.
The good news is Thursday should be perfectly seasonal with a high of 70, and temperatures should warm back up quickly with Saturday’s high possibly topping 80.
Much of the weekend is likely to be mostly cloudy, but rain-free, to allow for outdoor activities.
A stronger cold front, possibly with rain, is expected to arrive anywhere from late Saturday afternoon to early Sunday, plunging temperatures into the 30s for northern parts of the Coast by Sunday night.
Monday could be quite chilly with highs in the upper 50s and lows in the mid-30s.
Daily forecast
Wednesday
Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thanksgiving Day
Partly sunny, with a high near 70. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.
Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. Calm wind.
Friday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.
Friday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph.
Saturday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west after midnight.
Sunday
A slight chance of showers. Sunny, with a high near 68. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph.
Sunday Night
Clear, with a low around 39. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 57. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
This story was originally published November 26, 2019 at 5:00 AM.
