Rain, maybe snow, then icy cold, could affect Thanksgiving trip

Traffic will not be the only nuisance to face this Thanksgiving. It's going to be cold.

Wednesday night's minimum temperature will be 11 degrees, according to the National Weather Service of Norton, Massachusetts, and the low Thanksgiving night will be one-digit.

In the meantime, do not expect a stellar time. There is a chance of rain Monday morning and Monday night, and it could snow early Tuesday, announced the weather service. Unlike the snowstorm last week, there is little or no accumulation.

There is another chance for rain and even snow as motorists hit the road on Wednesday. Although the day is generally sunny, there is a slight risk of rain after 15h and can mix with the snow after 17h, announced the weather service.

Thursday and Friday will be sunny, but the minimum will be 6am and the Friday of 23h. Yes, it's 6 degrees the night of Thanksgiving.

After Thanksgiving, temperatures will rise slightly, on Friday between 30 and 30 years and Saturday between 40 and 40 years. Those traveling on Sunday could be inconvenienced by the rain, the NWS predicting 30% chance of precipitation in the Hartford area.

"The roads will be exceptionally crowded and, unfortunately, we have already found that … a rapid change in the weather can have a significant impact on travel," said Amy Parmenter, spokesperson for AAA. It encourages motorists to "plan ahead, take a lot of time and wait for delays".

Last year, AAA responded to nearly 3,500 calls during the five-day Thanksgiving trip – and the weather was not a factor.

"Even when the weather is fine, we get calls from flat batteries and punctures," said Parmenter. AAA received about 400 calls from motorists locked out during last year's Thanksgiving vacation period.

"AAA encourages people to have an emergency kit, extra coat and flying cables with them," she said.

Most New Englanders will drive to their vacation destination, Parmenter said. AAA estimates that 2.5 million people in the region will travel during this five-day period, an increase of nearly 5% over last year. More than 2 million of them will drive.

Kevin A. Dillon, executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority, urged travelers to come forward with enough time to book flights departing from Bradley International Airport. National travelers should plan 90 minutes for registration on Thanksgiving weekends, said an airport spokeswoman. International travelers should allow three hours.

All incoming traffic to the airport is now flowing around a partially open roundabout, the spokeswoman said. Those who come to pick up friends and family at the airport can wait for their arrival on free Light Lane.

Courant Staff Writer Christine Dempsey contributed to this report.