Forecasters with NOAA's National Weather Service anticipate chilly temperatures across the country for Thanksgiving Day and the holiday weekend, with overall low chances of precipitation.

Below-normal temperatures, but mild in the Northwest

As of this writing, the stage is set for a cold and chilly weather pattern  for Thanksgiving and the holiday weekend across much of the contiguous U.S., with below-normal temperatures forecast. High temperatures in the Central and Southern Plains will average 10 to 20 degrees below the norm. Meanwhile in the Northwest, temperatures will be mild for the most part as high pressure builds across the region.

Precipitation outlook: Mainly dry but some snow for the Rockies

A powerful storm system will move through the East on Tuesday and Wednesday, with rain, thunderstorms, snow and windy conditions. On Thanksgiving, the entire storm will move off the East Coast, with only lingering snow showers and gusty winds in the Northeast and New England. 

A system dropping through the Central and Southern Rockies will dump accumulating snow in that area Thanksgiving through Friday, which could also impact the Denver metropolitan area.

From Friday through the weekend, a bit of forecast uncertainty exists with a storm system potentially affecting the Southeast and East Coast with wet weather, mainly rain.

Contrasting weather conditions for Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico

Outside of the Lower 48, a variety of weather conditions are expected in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Weather conditions will be very unsettled across Alaska, especially for the Panhandle and southeast portion of the state, as a barrage of wet weather including rain, mountain snow and gusty winds are likely.

In Hawaii, a front will approach the islands late in the week, possibly increasing chances for scattered showers.

For Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a tranquil and seasonable forecast looks likely, with mild temperatures, no precipitation and plenty of sunshine.

More on this weekend’s weather

Check out the national forecast map or visit weather.gov and enter the ZIP Code or the city and state for your location to find out the forecast for your local area. 

Be sure to follow your local NOAA National Weather Service forecast office on social media for any late-breaking weather updates.

Wherever you find yourself this weekend, we wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving.