Traveling over the Thanksgiving weekend? Here's what you need to know

Thanksgiving can mean getting out on the roadways, taking a train, or plane to celebrate with family and friends. Forecasters indicate weather in central Illinois and the Midwest will be good no matter the transportation type. However, traffic could snarl and crowds could crush airports around peak travel times on Wednesday.

Here's what you should expect from weather and travel this Thanksgiving week.

What's the weather forecast?

Rain is expected in the forecast on Tuesday, but it should be out of the way for Wednesday, with clear skies in the forecast for much of Thanksgiving weekend.

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Nicole Albano, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Lincoln, said that there had been some early expectations for snow, but instead, rain will be coming into central Illinois and will clear out by the middle of the week.

"We could get a decent amount, maybe around a half-inch or so of rain, which is much-needed," Albano said. "We've been pretty dry the last several weeks, but nothing significant rain-wise. Once that pushes out later on Tuesday, it looks like we're going to be mostly dry for much of the holiday weekend."

According to NWS, conditions should clear up by Tuesday night, with sunny skies in the forecast from Wednesday through Sunday.

High temperatures for Thanksgiving Day are expected to reach the low 50s, with winds coming from the southwest at around 10 miles per hour. Albano said that those temperatures are about normal for this time of year, but by Friday, a high-pressure system from the north will bring temperatures that are slightly cooler.

"There is a strong high-pressure system originating from Canada that's going to sink southward into the (Great) Plains states and eventually spread into the Midwest," Albano said. "That (cold) front's kind of out ahead of that high-pressure system, so we'll have cool air filtering in and then the high-pressure will kind of get stuck in place for several days."

Highs in Springfield should hit 43 degrees on Black Friday, dropping to 42 and 40 degrees, respectively, on Saturday and Sunday. Albano said that the next chance of precipitation could come later next week.

"It looks like we might have some chances for light precipitation early next week," Albano said. "Overall, it looks like it's going to be pretty dry."

What to expect on the roads?

The weather forecast is good news for the 2.82 million people AAA expects to travel more than 50 miles in Illinois during the Thanksgiving holiday which is up 2.2% from 2022. About 2.46 million will drive by car, which is slightly less than pre-COVID-19 pandemic numbers, but up around 3,000 from the prior year.

AAA does expect a record number of air travelers, with 290,000 predicted to fly, up 8% from 2022, while nearly 82,000 will go out either on a train, bus, or even a cruise ship for the holidays.

Molly Hart, a spokesperson for AAA, said that the continued breaking of COVID-19 related cabin fever is among the reasons why so many people are opting to travel, along with what she feels is the adventure of leaving home and going somewhere different, at least for a little while.

"People are feeling much more comfortable traveling," Hart said. "People love the adventure of travel, whether that is for Thanksgiving or a vacation. People love to go somewhere and this is a great way to spend time with family and friends."

Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA, said that with high travel demand continuing through the holidays, people should make sure that they plan for traffic and flight-related delays.

"Travel demand has been strong all year and that trend will continue with one of the busiest Thanksgivings on record," Haas said. "With more people taking to the roads, skies, rails, and sea, travelers should expect congested roads and longer lines at transportation terminals. AAA encourages travelers to develop their plan now, leave early, and be courteous to others."

What's the best time to travel?

Usually over Thanksgiving weekend, mornings are usually a good time, typically before 11 a.m. INRIX, which provides transportation data to companies like AAA, says that on Wednesday, anything before the lunch hour is good, with the 2-6 p.m. period being the busiest time of the weekend, up over 11% compared to a typical day.

The busiest spot nearby? That would be Interstate 94 between Chicago and Milwaukee, which includes the Dan Ryan and Kennedy expressways, around 4 p.m. on Wednesday. It can take over two hours to get from each city, when it would usually take around an hour-and-a-half.

Hart said that the busiest days for air travel will be Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with Mondays becoming a more popular day to travel back. While Sunday remains the busiest return date, she said that with airports being so busy that day, many people are opting to take an extra day and return on Monday.

"If someone has the affordability to take Monday off of work, it might be just a little less packed at the airport," Hart said.

Here are travel tips for driving and flying

AAA says that people should leave early and allow plenty of time to get toa destination. Also, set GPS navigation prior to hitting the road to prevent being distracted.

In addition, AAA recommends motorists be on the lookout for alternative routes in case roads are closed or they encounter the usual holiday congestion on the toll roads.

People also shouldn't drive impaired and ensure that everyone is wearing their seat belt to prevent injuries in case of a sudden crash.

For those who do run into construction, first responders or tow trucks, AAA advises motorists to slow down and allow them space to work. Hart said that even if it adds a few minutes to the commute, it could be a lifesaver for those out working.

"We want to make sure all holiday travelers, tow truck drivers, and first responders make it home safely this Thanksgiving," Hart said. "All drivers can help by moving over for flashing lights, whether it’s a tow truck or a disabled vehicle with its hazard lights on."

As for those getting on a flight, AAA recommends arriving at the airport at least two or three hours early and check-in online in advance. Travelers also should download the airline's app in order to keep track of the status of their flight.

If a flight is delayed or canceled, be sure to have medications and a change of clothes in case an unexpected overnight stay is necessary. Haas also said that passengers can purchase travel insurance that can help cover costs if a flight is delayed or canceled.

"There are policies that can provide compensation for flight delays for as little as three hours," Haas said. "And if a flight is canceled, passengers can receive compensation for covered out-of-pocket expenses."

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Direct flights early in the day are recommended by AAA, with people being asked to leave on Thanksgiving in order to give themselves a good combination of available flights and reasonable prices.

How are gas prices looking?

Pretty good, depending on where you are in Illinois. Statewide, AAA says that gas prices average $3.48 a gallon, down 54 cents from where it was at this time last year.

In Springfield, AAA says that prices are $3.44 a gallon, slightly lower than the state average. Chicago's usually high gas prices are under $4 a gallon, at $3.94, with the rest of the area at $3.60 a gallon.

Near St. Louis, gas prices depend on where in the area you shop, with Metro East prices sitting at $3.43 a gallon – down about 30 cents from last year – while across the border in Missouri, prices are just below $3 a gallon at $2.99.

Hart said that unless there is something that causes oil prices to spike in the coming weeks – possibly related to the Israel-Hamas war – prices for gas should be low for the holidays.

"The good news is drivers this Thanksgiving can expect cheaper gas prices," Hart said. "While there could be some fluctuations in the coming weeks, AAA expects gas prices to remain low through the holidays, unless oil prices suddenly spike."

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: What you need to know about Thanksgiving weekend travel