**Rain and Snow Disrupt Thanksgiving Plans in the Northeast**

Rain is drenching the Northeast on Thursday, paving the way for a soggy Thanksgiving across numerous states. Holiday parades in New York City and Philadelphia are anticipated to contend with periods of rain and drizzle, coupled with temperatures in the 40s and a chilly breeze ranging from 10 to 25 mph.

Along the I-95 corridor in the Northeast, major cities such as D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City are primarily experiencing a rain event. However, further inland, wet snow is expected to mix in. Winter alerts have been issued from northern Pennsylvania to Maine, with higher elevations potentially receiving up to a foot of snow today.

For the Mid-Atlantic region, the rain is projected to taper off by midday. Philadelphia might see an end to the rainfall around noon, while New York City could continue to experience rain until approximately 2 p.m. In Boston, the rain could persist until closer to sunset, around 5 p.m. Northern New England, particularly Maine, will face rain and snow into the overnight hours before conditions improve.

As this storm system exits, the coldest air of the season is set to move in across much of the country. The influx of cold air over the relatively warm waters of the Great Lakes has triggered numerous Lake Effect Snow Warnings and Winter Storm Watches. This is shaping up to be the first significant Lake Effect Snow event of the season, with forecasts predicting 3 to 4 feet of snow through Monday for parts of western New York State. While the heaviest snow bands are expected to remain south of Buffalo, the 49ers/Bills game on Sunday night might see some nearby snow.

Elsewhere, the weather is forecasted to remain relatively quiet this weekend. However, it will be chilly for most of the eastern half of the country, aligning more closely with winter-like conditions. Conversely, warmer-than-normal temperatures are anticipated in the western United States as December approaches.