The weather forecast for Election Day across the country shows a mix of conditions, with tranquil weather expected in most areas. The East and West coasts are set to remain dry, while a cold front moving through the heartland will bring showers and thunderstorms to cities like Chicago, St. Louis, and Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Behind the front, cooler air will settle over much of the Rockies and Plains, with the possibility of snow in the forecast for the Northwest. Some battleground states, including Michigan and Wisconsin, are likely to see rain on Election Day, while northern Nevada may experience temperatures dipping below freezing with possible snowfall.
In western North Carolina, voters will be casting their ballots amidst ongoing cleanup efforts following deadly flooding caused by Helene. Temperatures in places like Asheville are expected to be in the 50s and 60s as the region recovers from the devastation.
Political experts suggest that weather conditions on Election Day can impact voter enthusiasm, with a 2007 university study indicating that Republican-leaning voters tend to turn out more than those voting for Democrats during rainy weather. The study also found that voter participation decreases with increasing rainfall and snow accumulation.
As more than half of the country has already taken advantage of early voting options, Election Day is increasingly becoming an extended election season rather than a single, pivotal day. With millions of voters having already cast their ballots, many will have the opportunity to relax and watch the election results unfold on November 5th.
