Storms could disrupt Memorial Day travel, Fox Weather warns

FOX Weather warned on May 17 that heavy rain, strong thunderstorms and cooler-than-normal temperatures could disrupt Memorial Day weekend plans across much of the United States. The outlet said a high-pressure system off the East Coast is expected to pull Atlantic and Gulf moisture inland, setting up widespread rain and storm chances through the holiday weekend. AAA said 45 million Americans are projected to travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday, May 21, and Monday, May 25, a record for the holiday period. ### Where is the weather threat concentrated? FOX Weather said the broadest risk stretches from the southern Plains into the Southeast and parts of the Mid-Atlantic, where repeated rounds of rain and thunderstorms could interrupt beach trips, barbecues and highway travel. The outlet said millions of people could face washouts during the unofficial start of summer. (foxweather.com) The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center said in its May 17 extended forecast discussion that “multiple rounds of heavy rain and severe storms” are expected for the southern Plains during the May 20-24 period. The same outlook said an early-season East Coast heat wave would ease as the pattern shifts later in the week. (foxweather.com) ### Why does this matter for holiday travel? AAA said 39.1 million travelers are expected to drive over the Memorial Day period, while 3.66 million are expected to fly. That means weather disruptions in major highway corridors and airport hubs could affect a large share of holiday trips if storms slow traffic or trigger delays. (wpc.ncep.noaa.gov) AAA also said this year’s overall Memorial Day domestic travel forecast is slightly above last year’s level and sets a new holiday record. Stacey Barber, AAA’s vice president of travel, said Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer for many Americans. (newsroom.aaa.com) ### What is driving the stormy setup? FOX Weather said a high-pressure system anchored off the Eastern Seaboard is expected to funnel moisture from the Atlantic and Gulf into the central and eastern United States during the holiday stretch. That setup, according to the outlet, raises the odds of widespread showers and thunderstorms rather than isolated pop-up storms. (newsroom.aaa.com) The Weather Prediction Center said a moderately amplified upper-level pattern will shape the national forecast in the middle of the week. Its short-range discussion on May 17 also warned that a multi-day severe weather and flash flood threat was continuing across the Midwest and Plains before the holiday weekend begins. (foxweather.com) ### What about gas prices and road-trip costs? AAA said on May 14 that the national average gasoline price was $4.534 a gallon, down from $4.558 a week earlier before rising again, and still well above the $3.180 average a year earlier. The group said drivers are facing the highest Memorial Day gas prices in four years. (wpc.ncep.noaa.gov) AAA said gasoline demand slipped to 8.75 million barrels a day from 8.81 million the previous week, citing Energy Information Administration data. The group did not tie that directly to the holiday forecast, but it said travelers were preparing to hit the road in record numbers. (gasprices.aaa.com) ### When will travelers get the next official updates? The Weather Prediction Center publishes daily national forecast charts and short- and medium-range discussions, with the current extended forecast covering May 20 through May 24. AAA’s Memorial Day travel window runs from May 21 through May 25, and FOX Weather has continued posting forecast updates and video briefings as the holiday approaches. (gasprices.aaa.com) (wpc.ncep.noaa.gov)