Travel across the US is kicking into high gear this week as tens of millions of people prepare for Thanksgiving.

And while the FOX Forecast Center expects some potential disruptions early and mid-week, bigger problems could arise for trips home – especially in the Northeast.

‘Tis the season

The FOX Forecast Center said a weak storm system is expected to bring rain from parts of the Southeast to the Northeast early this week.

No significant travel disruptions are expected from this low-impact storm, and the FOX Forecast Center expects winter weather to be limited to the Canadian border and the Great Lakes region.

As a result of this first storm system, winter weather warnings were in effect Monday morning across parts of the Upper Midwest and northern New England.

Meanwhile, as warmer temperatures continue to the east, heavy rain should fall along the busy Interstate 95 corridor.

But this is by no means a deal breaker when it comes to Thanksgiving travel.

Thanksgiving winter storm coming?

At the same time, the FOX Forecast Center said a more powerful storm system will work through the Intermountain West, which could lead to snow-covered roads and delays at major airports in that region.

But of greater concern for residents and visitors in the eastern U.S., the FOX Forecast Center said it will monitor a winter storm that could impact millions of people in the Northeast and New England beginning Wednesday and lasting through the weekend .

On the warm side of the storm, heavy precipitation is likely in the Tennessee Valley and mid-Atlantic, which could cause problems on Thanksgiving Day.

While more rain is expected along the I-95 corridor, concerns are growing that heavy snow could have a significant impact on travel on Thanksgiving Day and after the holiday.

“We’re all going to have to kind of grin and bear it,” said FOX Weather meteorologist Britta Merwin.

“It’s really the timing for the most part. This is the weather you are used to during the winter months.”

The FOX Forecast Center says it’s becoming increasingly likely that those in the Northeast affected by last week’s winter storm will experience another significant snowstorm, especially from Thanksgiving through Black Friday.

Forecasters say this developing storm and its effects are likely to last into next weekend and could impact travel, both by car and by plane.

Additionally, the first heavy snowfall of the season could also hit the Great Lakes region next weekend and early next week.

“The change is the fact that this is the day after Thanksgiving and we have a lot of people traveling,” Merwin continued.

“And if you experience unfavorable weather on a big travel day, it can cause a major headache.”

Bitter cold snap

It’s not just the snow and rain that can make the return trip home disappointing.

The FOX Forecast Center expects some of the coldest air of the season to move into the U.S. from Canada in the days after Thanksgiving and early December.

Below-average temperatures are expected across much of the U.S., with parts of the Northern Plains expected to see a drop of perhaps -10 degrees.

And if you take the wind chill into account, it can feel even colder.

Be sure to download the free FOX Weather app and turn on notifications so you’re notified of any changes to the weather forecast that could affect your travel plans.