Nearly 44 million people are expected to travel this Memorial Day weekend, but severe spring weather is anticipated to disrupt some of the festivities. Showers, thunderstorms, and scorching heat are forecast across various parts of the country, particularly in South Texas and Florida.

Record-Breaking Travel Numbers

Summer activities are already underway, with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening nearly 3 million people on Thursday, marking the second-highest screening volume in the agency's history. The busiest airports so far include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Denver International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, and Los Angeles International Airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) projected that this Memorial Day weekend would be the busiest since 2010, with 53,515 flights on Thursday and 50,129 on Friday. These high travel volumes are expected to continue throughout the weekend as people take advantage of the holiday to kick off their summer plans.

Weather Disruptions

Despite the high travel volume, weather conditions are not in travelers' favor. Heavy rain and severe thunderstorms are forecasted to continue from the Midwest to the southern Plains on Friday, with extreme rainfall rates of up to 2 inches per hour. This weather pattern is likely to cause significant travel disruptions.

Approximately 45 million people are at risk from Chicago down to Austin, Texas. The primary threats include damaging hail, strong wind gusts, and potential tornadoes. A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin through 1 p.m. local time (2 p.m. ET), with threats of tornadoes and scattered wind gusts up to 75 mph.

This means major airports in Chicago, St. Louis, and Dallas-Fort Worth could experience significant delays, potentially affecting thousands of flights and travelers.

Weekend Weather Forecast

- Friday: Severe weather is expected to persist from the Midwest to the southern Plains. The storms are forecasted to produce heavy rainfall, potentially leading to flash flooding in low-lying areas. Travelers in the region are advised to monitor weather alerts and plan for possible delays.

- Saturday: Scattered storms will move into the Northeast, affecting major cities like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. Meanwhile, another round of severe weather will develop across the central and southern Plains before shifting into parts of the mid-Mississippi and Ohio valleys. Sixteen million people in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri will be at risk, with threats including strong tornadoes, hail, and winds over 75 mph. Cities at risk include Oklahoma City, Kansas City, and Wichita. The NWS has also issued a nocturnal tornado warning for west-central Oklahoma and south-central Kansas, indicating that tornadoes could occur during the night when they are harder to detect and more dangerous.

- Sunday: Another outbreak of severe weather is expected, putting 39 million people at risk of strong tornadoes, damaging hail, and winds up to 75 mph. St. Louis and Indianapolis are among the cities with the greatest threat. The storms are expected to be intense, with a high probability of significant weather-related disruptions.

- Monday (Memorial Day): The East Coast will see rain and thunderstorms, affecting cities from Washington D.C. to Boston. The Midwest will experience a mix of sunshine and rain, potentially causing variability in weather conditions throughout the day. The South will be very hot and humid, with heat index values soaring. Airports in Chicago, Detroit, New York-Newark, Philadelphia, and Washington are likely to see delays due to the adverse weather conditions.

Extreme Heat Alerts

"Dangerous and potentially record-breaking heat" is forecasted to continue across South Texas, the Gulf Coast, and southern Florida through Memorial Day, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Heat advisories are in place through 7 p.m. CT (8 p.m. ET) for parts of southern Texas, where heat index values could reach up to 114 degrees Fahrenheit. This extreme heat poses a risk for heat-related illnesses, and residents and travelers are advised to take precautions such as staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun.

Recent Weather Events

This weekend’s weather comes after a week of wild weather across the Midwest and South. Tornadoes have been reported every day since Sunday, with an additional 23 tornadoes reported on Thursday alone. These severe weather events have caused significant damage in several areas, with reports of destroyed homes, downed power lines, and widespread power outages.

Impact on Memorial Day Plans

The combination of severe weather and extreme heat is likely to impact Memorial Day plans for millions of Americans. Outdoor activities such as barbecues, parades, and beach trips may need to be adjusted or canceled due to the weather conditions. Event organizers and participants are urged to stay informed about local weather alerts and to prioritize safety.

Travel Tips and Precautions

For those traveling this weekend, it is essential to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and travel advisories. Here are some tips to help navigate the disruptions:

- Check Flight Status: Before heading to the airport, travelers should check the status of their flights and sign up for airline notifications to receive real-time updates.

- Plan for Delays: Allow extra time for travel to account for potential delays caused by severe weather or high travel volumes.

- Stay Informed: Use reliable weather apps and local news sources to stay informed about weather conditions along your travel route.

- Prepare for Heat: If traveling to areas under heat advisories, pack essentials such as water, sunscreen, and light clothing. Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours.

- Have a Backup Plan: Consider alternative routes or travel plans in case severe weather affects your original itinerary.

As travelers embark on their Memorial Day journeys, they are advised to stay updated on weather conditions and plan accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.