Thanksgiving 2012 Gas Prices, Weather Forecast and Other Information You Need to Hit the Road

Unseasonably mild and continued dry weather and falling gas prices will make for easy Thanksgiving Day travel throughout the Midwest.

In Urbandale, the National Weather Service’s Thanksgiving Day forecast is predicting breezy conditions with a high around 64 on Thanksgiving Day. Black Friday shoppers may want to bundle up as they’re out seeking bargains, as the mercury will dip down to near freezing overnight. Friday’s expected high is 41.

If you’re traveling Wednesday, open the moon roof or lower the top on your convertible. Temperatures in the upper 60s and lower 70s will be typical across the Midwest.

Nationally, weather forecasters are keeping an eye on unsettled weather in the western United States, but forecasters say weather will remain relatively quiet across the rest of the country through the middle of next week.

The forecast isn’t the only good news for Thanksgiving weekend. Gas prices are falling, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Report. The lowering gas prices come in time for what is traditionally the busiest travel week of the year.

AAA, formerly known as the American Automobile Association, expects 43.6 million Americans to travel more than 50 miles from home this weekend, 90 percent of them by car. That’s up .7 percent from Thanksgiving week 2011. AAA said this will be the busiest Thanksgiving travel season since the recession reduced travel for the holiday by 25 percent.

Average Gas Price Lower Than Most Surrounding States

Regular unleaded gas was going for $3.26 per gallon at most Urbandale fuel stations. Statewide, the average price is $3.27 per gallon.

Nationally, regular unleaded gasoline is averaging $3.41 per gallon.

A sampling of Thanksgiving gas prices around the country

• Missouri: $3.08 per gallon
• Nebraska: $3.35 per gallon
• Minnesota: $3.27 per gallon
• Illinois $3.51 per gallon
• Iowa: $3.27 per gallon
• Wisconsin: $3.39
• South Dakota: $3.38

Do you drive an E85 vehicle? Here’s a link to Iowa gas stations selling E85 ethanol fuel.

Traveling outside of Iowa? Here’s a guide to road conditions in other states.

Traffic Enforcement

Expect to see extra police and other law enforcement personnel on Iowa roads throughout the holiday weekend. The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau is conducting another of its sTEP enforcement effort and will be on the lookout for seatbelt and other violations, as well as impaired drivers.

Also, traffic cameras, including speed cameras, are operational in Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Iowa City/Cedar Rapids, Quad Cities and Sioux City.