Arctic outbreak brings severe cold as millions travel for Thanksgiving

As millions of Americans prepare to travel for Thanksgiving, the National Weather Service has issued warnings of a significant arctic outbreak impacting large areas of the United States. The cold temperatures are expected to plunge as low as -40F in regions such as the northern Plains and Upper Midwest during this busy travel season. These extreme conditions are particularly concerning as they coincide with some of the busiest travel days of the year, with nearly 72 million Americans projected to hit the roads or take to the skies. In addition to the cold temperatures, heavy snowfalls are anticipated in the Colorado Rockies, with some areas potentially seeing over 10 inches of snow. These forecasts indicate an increase in weather-related travel disruptions as the system moves eastward on Thanksgiving Day. Travelers heading to the northeastern parts of the United States, including New England and the Appalachians, should prepare for challenging conditions accompanied by rain and snow. Furthermore, airports are already experiencing record passenger volumes, with the Transportation Security Administration estimating nearly nine million travelers to be screened over the busiest travel days, which include Tuesday, Wednesday, and the Sunday after the holiday. While there have not been significant disruptions at airports so far, forecasts suggest that weather conditions could lead to travel delays or cancellations in the following days. The situation has been exacerbated by a winter storm in California prior to Thanksgiving, which has already brought heavy snow and strong winds to higher elevations. Communities in the Pacific Northwest are also still recovering from last week's bomb cyclone, making the upcoming Thanksgiving travel period even more precarious. As weather complications arise, travelers are advised to stay updated on conditions and to be prepared for possible delays.