Showers predicted for Thanksgiving Gas price averages

It may be wet on Thanksgiving and into the weekend, but it's not expected to get cold enough for much, if any, snow.

"Mainly scattered showers, but nothing to hurt a trip to grandma's," said climatologist Cliff Harris of the Thanksgiving forecast.

Thursday's high will be near 40, he said.

Harris said some snow may fall Friday night, but he doesn't believe the white stuff will stick until early next week.

"This is mainly a rain event," Harris said. "It looks like there's several waves of moisture coming through."

Mountain areas could receive enough snow in the next few days to open ski resorts, however, Harris said.

As of 5:30 p.m. Monday, 1.05 inches of rain had fallen for the day. The total for the month had reached 2.56 inches and for the year 34.86 inches.

"We're less than 4 inches away from breaking the record (for the year)," Harris said.

Local gas prices continue to fall and are expected to remain near the $3.50 average, according to AAA.

"Any gas price movement for the Thanksgiving holiday should be minor, perhaps just a cent or two," said Dave Carlson, AAA spokesman. "Oil and gasoline futures are both up in the past week due to Mideast concerns between Israel and Syria.

"If those hostilities persist, pump prices could climb before year's end. Otherwise, prices could remain fairly stable due to lower seasonal demand."

The price for Coeur d'Alene has dropped 9 cents from a week ago, 34 cents from a month ago and 42 cents from six months ago. It is a cent lower than last year at this time.

AAA predicts. a 0.7 percent increase in travel this holiday compared to last year.

"Thanksgiving travel hit a decade low in 2008 ... ," said AAA President and CEO Robert Darbelnet. "Since that year we have seen a steady increase in the number of travelers taking to the roads and skies for the holiday."

For an economy that appears content to tread water, the net 15 percent increase in Thanksgiving travel over the past four years puts this year's projections near the historical average for the holiday, Carlson said.

"Thanksgiving travel is driven more by a stronger desire to be with family and friends, more so than other holidays," Carlson said. "Idahoans, like travelers elsewhere, will find ways to economize their travel budget."

Monday week ago month ago 6 mo. ago year ago

Coeurd'Alene$3.50 $3.59 $3.84 $3.92 $3.51

Idaho$3.64 $3.66 $3.83 $3.81 $3.48

U.S.$3.41 $3.44 $3.69 $3.69 $3.37

Spokane$3.58 $3.67 $3.90 $3.98 $3.67

SOURCE: AAA