by Donald Wood
Last updated: 7:00 AM ET, Thu September 3, 2026
Travelers heading out for the Labor Day holiday weekend should
prepare for a mix of extreme heat, rain, and thunderstorms across parts of the
United States.
According to Weather.com,
triple-digit temperatures are expected across the southern Plains, while much
of the central and northern Plains could see temperatures in the 90s. In the Southeast,
heat indexes could reach triple digits with plenty of humidity.
Along the East Coast, a weather system is expected to move
through the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic on Saturday before reaching the
Southeast, according to AccuWeather.
Rain and thunderstorms are expected on Sunday across much of the Southeast,
while showers may linger along the Gulf Coast on Monday.
The Northern Plains, Rockies and Pacific Northwest could
also see scattered precipitation during the holiday weekend.
Weather Could Disrupt Flight Plans
The potential threat of storms could create problems for
travelers flying during one of the year's busiest holiday periods. AccuWeather
expects severe storms in portions of the Midwest and East ahead of the weekend,
including the Great Lakes, Appalachians, Southeast and eastern Gulf Coast.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has already
identified thunderstorms as a potential source of
delays at several major airports, including New York-area airports,
Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., central and south Florida, Houston and New
Orleans. Travelers are advised to check directly with their airlines for
flight-specific information as the holiday approaches.
Americans Are Still Traveling
Despite the potential for difficult weather, AAA
data shows strong demand for Labor Day vacations. Booking data showed that Seattle,
Orlando, Boston, Denver and New York rank as the top domestic destinations,
while Rome, Vancouver, London, and Dublin are the most popular international
destinations.
National parks are also attracting travelers, with AAA
reporting strong interest in destinations such as Rocky Mountain National Park,
Arches, Zion and the Grand Canyon. Many travelers are flying into major airport
hubs and then renting cars to reach the parks, while Alaska cruises and river
cruises are also trending for the holiday weekend.
Travel Costs Are Higher
Travelers should also expect to spend more for some Labor
Day trips this year. AAA booking data shows domestic round-trip airfare
averaging about $750, up 2% from last year, while flights to the most popular
domestic destinations are averaging nearly $800, roughly 20% higher than a year
ago. Domestic hotel rates are also up 9%.
International airfare is down around 4% from last Labor Day,
averaging about $1,240 for a round trip. Cruises departing from U.S. ports are
also averaging about 4% less than last year, giving travelers another option
for the final major holiday weekend of summer.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
