Map shows Florida will freeze this Thanksgiving as two rounds of winter weather expected

This week, as tens of millions begin their Thanksgiving travels, two waves of winter weather are set to sweep across the U.S., bringing snow and strong winds to northern states and pushing temperatures low enough that icy conditions could reach as far south as Florida.

The first system—a fast-moving clipper coming from the northern Rockies—could drop a foot or more of snow across the Great Lakes. A larger Arctic air mass will follow right behind it, spreading cold air across most of the country into early next week.

Temperatures in Florida won’t reach dangerous levels, but some areas could still dip to freezing late Thursday through Saturday.

Later this week, the state is expected to cool down again as another burst of Arctic air arrives, connected to a weaker polar vortex. But unlike the brief freeze on November 10, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says that as of November 24, widespread subfreezing temperatures are not likely.

On November 27 and 29, temperatures may fall close to freezing. However, the cold snap should be short-lived, with daytime highs returning to the 60s soon after.

Even without a widespread freeze, the upcoming chill is unusually strong for Florida. If the cold front turns out stronger than expected, temperatures in the Big Bend and Panhandle could hit freezing or slightly below.

According to the weather service, a “stout upper-level trough will develop over the Great Lakes region, spawning a strong surface low and associated cold front that will sweep across the country and down the Florida peninsula on Friday.”

The forecast adds that “temperatures could drop slightly over the weekend once the cooler air mass settles in, with lows Thursday night falling into the upper 40s and 50s across the interior and southwest Florida.”

AAA says early mornings or Thanksgiving Day itself are the best times to travel during the holiday period. Peak travel times for the week include:

Today, before 12 p.m.
Tomorrow, before 11 a.m.
Thanksgiving Day (minimal delays expected)
Friday, before 11 a.m.
Saturday, before 10 a.m.
Sunday, before 11 a.m.
Monday, after 8 p.m.

Hurricane Season 2025 ends on Sunday, November 30, marking the first time in years that Southwest Florida avoided a direct threat from a tropical cyclone.

NOAA data shows that Hurricane Melissa, with winds reaching 160 mph, caused damage in parts of Jamaica and Haiti, but Florida remained hurricane-free despite stronger preseason forecasts. No hurricanes made U.S. landfall this year.

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