Howling winds, freezing temperatures and even the possibility of heavy snow may be in store for many Americans across the country as they gather for their Thanksgiving feasts next week.
Forecasters said there was a risk of “unsettled weather” in much of the country during the holiday season from a low pressure area in the middle of the storm, which will continue into the post-Thanksgiving travel season.
In some areas, that means “the coldest wind of the season,” according to the National Weather Service.
Here’s what the forecast looks like for Thanksgiving:
Weather forecast for Thanksgiving and holiday weekend
‘Messy Thanksgiving walk’: Thanksgiving weekend weather by week and location
The Climate Prediction Center’s forecast for Thanksgiving through December 2nd shows cold weather for much of the eastern US.
A Climate Prediction Center forecast for Thanksgiving through December 2 shows an increased chance of rain on the East Coast.
Rain, snow in the East on Thanksgiving, Black Friday
A developing storm could bring a break from rain and snow to the eastern half of the country, according to AccuWeather meteorologists.
If the storm moves slowly, it can have lasting effects from the valleys of Tennessee and Ohio through the northeast, but if the storm ends up going far south and from the coast of Carolina, it may not be much but it will bring rain and snow.
“The storm has the potential to disrupt travel for those traveling in the Midwest and Northeast on Thanksgiving, although those chasing Black Friday deals may face travel challenges,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Tyler Roys.
Weather can also affect holiday cheer, including in New York City, AccuWeather said.
The National Weather Service predicted there was a moderate risk of “dangerous snow” across the Northern Plains, with low temperatures likely to drop to -10 degrees and feel very windy. There is also a slight risk of heavy snow across the Great Lakes and the Northeast.
Strong winds can also affect much of the eastern part of the country between Wednesday and Friday, especially in the south away from the coast, in the middle of the Appalachians and in the middle of the Atlantic, the weather forecast said.
(This article has been updated to add new information.)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Thanksgiving winter storm says snow may move.