Thanksgiving travel this year is shaping up to be a mix of tradition and turbulence for Michigan residents. With over 2.5 million people expected to travel at least 50 miles, this holiday marks an all-time high for Michiganders hitting the road, boarding flights, and catching trains. That record-breaking movement comes as rain and snow are expected to blanket parts of the state, adding weather-related complexities to an already bustling travel season.
Travelers across Michigan are navigating not just long distances but also unpredictable conditions. In Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, snow showers are expected throughout the week, reminding folks that winter is settling in early. In Gaylord, precipitation starts early in the week and stretches into Thanksgiving Day with a 70% chance of snow in the afternoon and highs near 35 degrees. Marquette, bracing for up to three inches of snow, will see temperatures barely rise above the freezing point. For some, it’s a seasonal staple. For those traveling, it’s a significant concern.
Detroit and Pontiac will experience milder weather compared to the north. Rain and snow are expected late Wednesday, with Thanksgiving Day forecasted to bring partly sunny skies and temperatures around 38 degrees. Grand Rapids will likely see a mix of rain and snow on Wednesday, with Thursday bringing a high near 37 and lighter chances of snow in the afternoon. Meanwhile, Northern Indiana travelers may catch a brief break with sunny skies on Tuesday before snow and rain return midweek.
The roads, already jam-packed with holiday travelers, are not likely to offer much reprieve. According to AAA, over 65,000 more Michigan residents will travel this Thanksgiving compared to last year. That’s a lot of cars on the road at once, especially during peak times on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. For those looking to avoid gridlock, traveling on Thanksgiving Day itself remains the best option, with highways historically less congested.
Airports are experiencing record-breaking travel numbers, reflecting a 4% increase from last year and a 12% jump compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. As families reunite and friends reconnect, the excitement in terminals is matched by long lines and potential delays. Weather-related disruptions could compound issues for flyers, making it essential to check flight statuses and stay updated on delays through resources like FlightAware.com.
Amtrak is also running at capacity, as train travel continues to be a reliable choice for many. With more than 22,000 riders using Michigan rail services last Thanksgiving, this year’s numbers are expected to surpass that benchmark. Amtrak spokesperson Marc Magliari shared confidence in the projected increase, noting that ridership nationwide is set to break records. Despite this optimism, travelers are finding fewer options for flexibility. Trains departing from Detroit to Chicago on Wednesday are nearly sold out, leaving only limited seats on the final evening departure. Return trips from Chicago to Detroit are even tighter, with no seats available on Sunday and few options on Monday.
“We have every reason to believe that we’re going to beat last year’s numbers,” said Magliari. He said the rail system expects to set a nationwide ridership record for the fiscal year that ended on Sept. 30, topping a pre-pandemic record of 32.5 million riders in 2019.
It’s a similar story for travelers out of Grand Rapids and East Lansing. Seats on trains to Chicago are filling quickly, and return trips to Michigan are already sold out for the busiest day, Sunday. These constraints emphasize the importance of booking early and, if possible, adjusting schedules to avoid peak travel days.
While travel disruptions are not new during the holidays, this year’s conditions highlight the unique challenges of navigating crowded roads, packed flights, and weather patterns. Many travelers see these hurdles as a small price to pay for a seat at the Thanksgiving table. Whether the destination is a grandparent’s cozy home or a sibling’s lively kitchen, the shared goal is reconnecting with loved ones, even when snow and traffic slow the journey.
Michigan residents are no strangers to weathering storms, both literal and figurative. The resolve to push through, whether by car, plane, or train, is fueled by the anticipation of a holiday spent with family and friends. Safe travels, Michigan, and may the warmth of Thanksgiving carry you through whatever the weather has in store.
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