Where Will the Weather Disrupt New Year's Eve Plans in the U.S.?

Mother Nature may be an unwelcome guest at some New Year's Eve celebrations around the country. While the Great Lakes dodges snow showers, much of the West Coast will be dealing with rain. Here is a look at your early New Year's Eve forecast.

Potential Trouble Spots for New Year's Eve Revelers

The good news is that most of the U.S. will enjoy largely docile conditions on New Year's Eve. The bad news is that the areas that do see precipitation could experience significant travel disruptions.

For the most part, the year 2025 will go out with a whimper across the U.S. This will be in stark contrast to the volatile weather pattern that marked most of December.

Once again, the northern Plains, the Upper Midwest, the Great Lakes, and the interior Northeast will be under the threat of snowy conditions that create slick roads at times. A storm diving down from Canada on New Year's Eve will pair with a reinforcing shot of cold air to support the development of accumulating snowfall.

A few inches of snow are on tap out of this weather maker. The precise track and speed of the storm will determine who sees the most snow. The latest forecast models indicate that the highest snowfall amounts will end up in the zone from the Great Lakes and into New England. The flakes are forecast to continue to fly well into New Year's Day. Travel disruptions at the hands of slippery roads and low visibility will be a concern throughout the day and night.

Other areas expecting the threat of snow on Wednesday include parts of the Upper Midwest and the central and northern Appalachians. Intense snow squalls could suddenly cause problems for motorists.

A fresh wave of Arctic air will keep the mercury in the teens and 20s for highs for the bulk of the northern U.S. Revelers heading to Times Square for the ball drop in New York City will want to bundle up. The forecast is calling for temperatures hovering around the freezing mark as the clock strikes midnight. The Big Apple is also forecast to see partly to mostly cloudy skies and winds hitting speeds of 10 to 20 mph from the west-southwest.

Air travelers should anticipate delays at the three major airports in the Midwest: Chicago, Minneapolis, and Detroit. Snow and wind will be the primary culprits of the potential disruptions. Because these are three major hubs, the ripple effects are likely to be felt across the country as aircraft and their crews are displaced.