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Florida Thanksgiving Weather Could Be Dicey

Thanksgiving is a time to be with beloved family and friends, which means it also involved traveling. November is a strange month weather-wise across the U.S. Some years, November brings…

Palm Trees Before A Tropical Storm or Hurricane

Getty Images / lisatop

Getty Images / lisatop

Thanksgiving is a time to be with beloved family and friends, which means it also involved traveling. November is a strange month weather-wise across the U.S. Some years, November brings all kinds of extreme weather, from snow in the north to heavy rain in the south. But, other years, November is really mild, bringing the perfect travel weather. So, what will the weather be like this year? Looking at the new forecast, Florida Thanksgiving weather could be dicey, so be warned.

When it comes to holiday travel, this season is going to be a big one. According to AAA, 55.4 million travelers will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. That's a big increase over last year, with 2.3% more people traveling. Those projections also mark the third-highest Thanksgiving forecast since AAA started tracking holiday travel in 2000. The only years with more travel were 2005 and 2019. As for the mode of transportation, most people will drive this holiday, according to AAA. But, 4.7 million people will fly over the Thanksgiving holiday, which is 6.6% higher than in 2022. That's also the most Thanksgiving folks flying since 2005.

Now, let's look at weather predictions, via the National Weather Service. While the past few weeks have been pretty quiet for weather across the U.S., the latest forecast models predict some volatile weather coming up. For those traveling early, from Nov. 16 through Nov. 19, snow is possible in the upper Midwest, especially upper Wisconsin and Michigan. A storm system is likely to organize in the East, bringing heavy rain to the New England area and Northeast. This could disrupt travel quite a bit. Finally, forecasters predict the same storm system to bring heavy rains down South.

For Florida, the pre-Thanksgiving forecast predicts heavy rain. That could make travel this weekend challenging, so you might want to rethink any pre-Thanksgiving travel plans. As for Thanksgiving day and weekend, thankfully, Florida looks better. While some rain is currently expected in the southern most parts of Florida, around Miami, most of the state should see pleasant weather. Stay safe this holiday, and if the weather looks hazardous, wait to hit the road.

It's never too early to start planning an exciting winter getaway, especially since the most popular winter vacation spots get booked up quickly. The good news, though, is that most people take vacations in the summer, so traveling in the winter can be a bit more relaxing. You are also able to usually find better travel rates during the winter season, except during the holidays. If you don't have to travel during the holidays, just don't, because it's a mess. So, what are the best winter getaways in the U.S.? Florida has one of them.

I've researched some of the most popular winter vacation destinations in hopes of finding the perfect spot. The following list includes not just sunny, warm getaways, but also some areas that people who love snow can enjoy. Honestly, many people who live in a warm climate like to flock to a snowy location for a bit during the winter to get that seasonal experience, even if that seems counter intuitive. Of course, those who live in the northern parts of America love to go to a warm spot and get away from their daily lives filled with snow and ice.

I'm a Michigan girl, so I'm very familiar with the cold and ice in the winter. Not that I like it. Each year, I say I'm going to escape, even if it's just for a few days, to a warmer location. But, I never do. Maybe this year will be different. Looking at vacation rates, it's fairly easy to find some good deals, again, if it's not during the holiday travel season. Read on for some of the bets winter getaways in the U.S., based on my research. What's your favorite winter vacation spot? Reach out to me on social media here and let me know. Have a fantastic winter, and stay warm.

Best Winter Getaways in the U.S.

5. Savannah, Georgia

If you're looking for a mild getaway, Savannah, Georgia, is a great choice. It's pretty mild in the winter, so not too cold or too hot. The Historic District is a popular winter vacation spot, too.

4. Asheville, North Carolina

The beautiful area of Asheville, North Carolina, has plenty of gorgeous snowfall, and it's less dangerous than many other areas with snowfall. Lately, Asheville has one up in population, but it's still a popular tourist destination. One choice spot is the French Broad River, with lots of winter activities, breweries and restaurants.

3. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

If you want to enjoy a winter vacation and learn about history, Philadelphia is a great vacation spot. Sure, it's won't be like sunny Florida. But, Philly has lots of great museums and historical spots to enjoy indoors, while staying toasty.

2. Traverse City, Michigan

I know what you're thinking. Why go to Michigan in the winter? Well, if you love snow, then it's worth the trip. Traverse City, Michigan, is a quaint town, but it's big enough to have lots of things to do and places to stay. It's also cold in the winter but not as cold as, say the Dakotas.

1. Key West, Florida

If you want to get away from the snow and ice, go to Key West, Florida. It's considered one of the finest tropical spots in the U.S. during the winter months. Soak up the sun and have a margarita, because why not?

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.