These Cities Can Expect Snow On Thanksgiving

A surge of cold, moisture-laden air is lining up to deliver a snowy Thanksgiving across parts of the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest, setting the stage for one of the wintrier holiday forecasts in recent years. Model guidance from the National Weather Service shows a compact but energetic system tracking across the region on Thursday, drawing in lake-enhanced bands capable of producing several inches of accumulation in select counties.

Temperatures on Thanksgiving Day are forecast to run well below normal across much of Michigan and northern Wisconsin, with many communities struggling to climb out of the 20s and low 30s. Stalled cold air will help ensure that most precipitation falls as snow. Travel could become slick in areas that see persistent bands, and residents may wake up to some of the highest Thanksgiving Day snowfall totals in years. A closer look at the data reveals the counties most likely to see snow on one America’s busiest travel days.

To determine the counties that will get the most snow this Thanksgiving, Climate Crisis 247 reviewed forecast data from the NOAA’s National Digital Forecast Database. Cities were ranked based on total forecast cumulative snowfall for Nov. 27, 2025.

10. Wayne County, MI

Wayne County, home to Detroit and nearly 1.8 million residents, is expected to see about 1.5 inches of snow on Thanksgiving. Temperatures are forecast to be in the mid-40s, which will limit major accumulation. Holiday travelers may still encounter brief slick spots during heavier bursts.

9. Washtenaw County, MI

Washtenaw County is forecast to receive around 1.6 inches of snow on Thanksgiving. Average temperatures near 42 degrees will keep snowfall light and wet. Roads may become slushy at times but widespread impacts are unlikely.

8. Chippewa County, MI

Chippewa County is expecting close to 1.7 inches of Thanksgiving snow. Temperatures near 43 degrees suggest a mix of wet flakes and quick bursts of accumulation. Localized slick conditions are possible, especially in the morning and evening.

7. Oneida County, WI

Oneida County, centered on Rhinelander, is forecast to see just over 2 inches of snow on Thanksgiving. Colder temperatures near 28 degrees will help snow accumulate more consistently. Travelers should prepare for wintry roads across this part of northern Wisconsin.

6. Genesee County, NY

Genesee County, located between Buffalo and Rochester, is expected to pick up about 2.4 inches of Thanksgiving snow. Temperatures in the low 50s may limit accumulation at first. Colder pockets under heavier bands could still produce brief slippery conditions.

5. Erie County, NY

Erie County, home to Buffalo, is forecast to receive roughly 2.5 inches of snow on Thanksgiving. Temperatures near 51 degrees suggest lake-effect bursts that may struggle to stick. Road conditions could vary quickly depending on band placement.

4. Grand Traverse County, MI

Grand Traverse County is expecting nearly 2.7 inches of Thanksgiving snowfall. Temperatures around 41 degrees will support wet, heavy flakes. Short travel delays are possible during periods of steadier snow.

3. Delta County, MI

Delta County is forecast to get about 3.3 inches of snow on Thanksgiving. Temperatures near 40 degrees will allow snow to accumulate gradually through the day. Drivers may encounter slushy to snowy roads, especially in inland areas.

2. Marquette County, MI

Marquette County is expected to receive around 7.8 inches of Thanksgiving snow, one of the highest totals in the region. Temperatures in the mid-30s will support steady accumulation. Travel could become difficult, particularly in higher terrain and lake-effect corridors.

1. Houghton County, MI

Houghton County is forecast to see more than 8.6 inches of snow on Thanksgiving, the highest among the counties reviewed. Cold temperatures near 32 degrees will allow snow to accumulate rapidly. Significant travel disruptions are possible across this part of the Upper Peninsula.