Rain or sun for Thanksgiving in the metro-east this year? Here’s the latest forecast
Making Thanksgiving plans in Belleville? You can expect seasonable temperatures, as well as possible precipitation.
Those spending the holiday in the metro-east or greater St. Louis area can expect temperatures with highs in the 50 Thursday, Nov. 27, though people north of St. Louis may see a bit colder temperatures than normal. That’s according to Alex Elmore, meteorologist with the National Weather Service St. Louis office, who spoke with the News-Democrat Nov. 19.
“It does look like the jetstream is going to be pretty active over much of the country, which leads to an increased chance for precipitation,” Elmore said.
Illinois is seeing conditions ranging from abnormally dry to extreme drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, with most of the metro-east experiencing moderate drought. Swaths of southern Illinois have recovered from a dry autumn, and relief is expected soon, with rainfall in the forecast.
While several days of precipitation are expected in Belleville, temperatures are not yet cool enough for snow. The St. Louis region typically sees its first measurable snowfall around late November to early December, Elmore said.
The metro-east is relatively unlikely to see a white Christmas, with a historical probability from 11 to 25%, according to the NWS.
AccuWeather’s forecast for Thanksgiving varies a little from the NWS, projecting temperatures ranging from 34 to 48 degrees Fahrenheit, with a 25% chance of precipitation. AccuWeather forecasts Black Friday, Nov. 28 will be cooler, with temperatures from 29 to 49 degrees and a slight chance of rain.
As the holiday approaches, Elmore recommends people keep up-to-date on the forecast, especially if they plan to travel.
The NWS forecast does not yet go out to Thanksgiving as of Nov. 20, but here’s what to expect in the coming days:
- Friday, Nov. 21: Temperatures from 47 to 59 degrees, with a 100% chance of precipitation. Thunderstorms are possible.
- Saturday, Nov. 22: Temperatures from 41 to 59 degrees, with mostly sunny skies during the day and mostly clear conditions at night.
- Sunday, Nov. 23: Temperatures from 41 to 62 degrees, with mostly sunny skies during the day.
- Monday, Nov. 24: Temperatures from 49 to 59 degrees, with a 50% chance of rain during the day and a 70% chance of rain at night.
- Tuesday, Nov. 25: Temperatures from 41 to 61 degrees, with a 40% chance of rain.
- Wednesday, Nov. 26: A high near 51 degrees, with partly sunny skies.
Preparing for winter weather
The typical first local snowfall is in the next few weeks, and officials recommend metro-east and St. Louis residents take steps ahead of time to prepare for wintry conditions.
NWS officials recommend residents stock these items at home to prepare for winter:
- Nonperishable foods and bottled water
- Portable radio
- Medicines, infant formula where applicable
- Warm clothing and extra blankets
- Matches
- Snow shovel
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- First-aid kit
Officials also advise keeping a winter survival kit in your car with a flashlight with extra batteries, first-aid kit, snow shovel, ice scraper, blankets or a sleeping bag, booster cables, nonperishable food, water, sand or cat litter for traction and a cell phone and charger.
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