Thursday, May 23, 2024 Memorial Day weekend, often dubbed the “unofficial start to summer,” is fast approaching, and millions of Americans are preparing for travel and outdoor activities. With AAA predicting 2024 to have the second highest travel forecast since 2000, approximately 44 million travelers will venture 50 miles or more from home, marking a 4% increase from 2023. The weather forecasters predict a mix of weather conditions, with some regions experiencing sweltering heat and dry conditions, while others face damp weather and storms.
Storms and Heat: A Tale of Two Weather Patterns May has brought warmer-than-average temperatures for many, along with wet and stormy conditions in the Plains and Southern states and dry conditions in the Southwest. As temperatures continue to rise to summer levels, an active storm pattern is expected to persist through the end of the month. AccuWeather meteorologists warn of multiple weather features bringing showers and disruptive thunderstorms across the Central and Eastern states.
Senior Meteorologist Renee Duff notes, “Storm-fatigued residents across the middle of the nation will not catch a break during the extended holiday weekend. While each day will not be a washout everywhere, and some locations will be fortunate enough to miss thunderstorm activity Saturday through Monday, there will be areas that get doused on more than one occasion across the Plains states.” Travel Challenges Ahead AAA predicts a bustling travel season.
