Leaving Clawson for Thanksgiving? Here's What You Need to Know

It's Thanksgiving, and for many, that means packing up the family and celebrating with relatives across the state, the country or across the globe. 

Before you head out of Clawson, here's what you need to know:

The weather: Near record-breaking temperatures predicted across the Midwest

In and around Clawson this Thanksgiving, the National Weather Service is calling for partly sunny skies, with temperatures lingering around 60 degrees on Thursday. However, the weather will drop to 45 degrees Thursday night, and there will be a 50 percent chance of showers. On Friday, we will see mostly cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid 40's.

Around Michigan, the weather stays mostly clear all weekend long with a chance of showers. In Grand Rapids, temperatures will hover around 61 degrees with a chance of snow late Friday and Saturday. In Traverse City, it's much of the same, with a 70 percent chance of snow on Friday.

Heading out of Michigan? According to weather.com, the entire Midwest will see record warm temperatures, with much of the U.S. remaining under sunny skies. With 63 degrees predicted in Chicago, it would tie as the Windy City's third warmest Thanksgiving on record, due to winds from the Southwest coming ahead of a cold front, sending warmer air northward.

However, on Black Friday there is a clear threat for showers and thunderstorms from the Northeast to the Southern Plains, and a chance of snow near the Twin Cities.

Fuel Report, Plus Watch Out for Speed Traps

Be prepared to pay a bit more at the pump this Thanksgiving holiday. According to GasBuddy.com, regular gas is expected to average $3.62 a gallon this week in the area, up nearly 45 cents from a year ago.

Still, if you're like the 90 percent of Americans who are traveling this holiday, you're driving. Here were Wednesday's lowest prices at gas stations in Clawson and the surrounding area:

Citgo, 24 N Rochester Rd.: $3.59

BP, 1365 W. Maple: $3.75

Meijer, 5150 Coolidge (Royal Oak): $3.49

According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of gas in Metro Detroit on Wednesday morning was $3.62.

If you're driving out of town, though, you might want to watch out for Thanksgiving speed traps. According to the National Motorists Association, Livonia holds the record for the most speed traps, coming in at 27.9 total traps in 2010, ahead of Orlando, Las Vegas, Denver and Reno.

For more traffic information from around Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov/mdot/.

Lastly, remember to be safe this Thanksgiving. From our Patch family to yours, have a great holiday!