Rick Sobey: Thanksgiving weather for Massachusetts: Mild in the 50s, might need a tent for outdoor meals amid coronavirus

Nov. 23--As public health officials advise people to eat Thanksgiving meals outside amid the coronavirus pandemic, Massachusetts families can expect mild weather this Thursday but they may have to dodge some raindrops.

Meteorologists are predicting a warmer than normal Thanksgiving for the region, with temperatures in the upper 50s.

But for people looking to have outdoor meals to lower the risk of coronavirus transmission, they may have to get a tent ready as forecasters are tracking rain for Thanksgiving Day.

"This year for Thanksgiving, given the pandemic and trying to host it outside in terms of trying to be safer, people should be ready for some rain showers throughout the day," said Torry Gaucher, meteorologist at the National Weather Service based in Norton. "We'll have a better idea of timing a few days closer, but models are showing a threat for rain showers on Thursday."

The upper-50s weather for Thanksgiving in Massachusetts is warmer than normal, he said, but he added it's not record warmth.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is advising people not to travel amid the coronavirus pandemic, but AAA is still expecting tens of millions of people to travel this week for the holiday. Massachusetts drivers on the roads this Tuesday and Wednesday should not be dealing with any wet weather.

"It should be fairly quiet weather through Wednesday," Gaucher said. "Then the rain will move back in Wednesday night into Thursday."

The lowest risk Thanksgiving plans include having dinner with members of your household and watching parades and sports from home, according to the CDCl.

But for those still planning to host a gathering, celebrating outdoors with a limited number of guests while wearing a mask will be the safest option to enjoy Thanksgiving, the guidelines say.

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