Memorial Day Weekend Costs: Food, Travel Prices Rise This Summer Americans will pay more for everything from gas to meat for the barbecue heading into Memorial Day weekend. Prices for travel, recreation, and food saw sharp increases, giving consumers headaches as the summer unofficially kicks off. Total inflation for shoppers rose 3.8% in April from the same month a year ago, the highest annual rate since 2023, according to federal government data. Prices for travel, recreation, and food saw especially sharp increases, draining Americans’ wallets as they ring in the unofficial start of summer. “They’re not going to be happy about what they see,” said Stephen Juneau, senior U.S. economist at Bank of America. “There will be a lot of grumbling this weekend when people are driving and in the airports, or are going to the store to stock up.” Consumer sentiment officially came in at its lowest level on record in May, according to survey data from the University of Michigan. The outlook was battered in part by spiking oil prices amid the Middle East war, which is almost three months old. E.l.f. Beauty announced Wednesday that it was rolling back some price increases, saying its consumers were “suffering” from elevated fuel costs. McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski warned earlier this month that the fast food chain faced a “challenging environment” as inflationary pressures mount. Summer barbecues will be more costly this year as cattle herds shrink and fertilizer costs jump. Ground beef and steaks are up as much as 16% compared with 2025. Frankfurters cost nearly 11% more than a year ago. Tomatoes run shoppers close to 40% more, while lettuce is up about 8% over the same period. Toppings such as spices, seasonings, condiments, and sauces have climbed almost 4%.#mcdonalds #bank_of_america #university_of_michigan #memorial_day_weekend #elf_beauty
Weather Alert Issued for Houston Area as Flood Risks Rise Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend Houston and Southeast Texas are bracing for a significant weather shift this Memorial Day weekend, with cooler temperatures and increased rainfall expected to heighten flood concerns. The region is set to experience a noticeable change in the weather pattern, as temperatures drop from the low 90s on Friday to near 82 degrees on Saturday, 81 degrees on Sunday, and 85 degrees on Monday. This transition comes alongside rising chances of rain, with multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms anticipated throughout the weekend. The National Weather Service has expanded its flood watch to cover the area through Memorial Day evening, highlighting the potential for localized flooding. While not every location will face severe flooding, slow-moving storms could deliver substantial rainfall over the same areas for extended periods, increasing the risk of high water levels in low-lying or flood-prone neighborhoods. Recent rainfall has already saturated parts of Southeast Texas, particularly south of Houston toward Brazoria County and the coast, where 1 to 5 inches of rain fell earlier this week. Additional downpours this weekend could lead to ponding on roads and isolated flash flooding, especially where storms stall. Rainfall totals through Memorial Day are projected to average 1 to 3 inches across the region, but some areas, including Galveston and surrounding communities, could see 3 to 5 inches—or even more in isolated spots—if storms repeatedly move over the same locations. Gusty winds are also expected Saturday afternoon, particularly near the coast, with speeds ranging from 15 to 25 mph.#national_weather_service #houston #memorial_day_weekend #galveston #brazoria_county
45 Million Americans Plan Memorial Day Weekend Getaways The American Automobile Association (AAA) has released its latest travel forecast, predicting that 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home for Memorial Day weekend trips between Thursday, May 21, and Monday, May 25. This year’s forecast marks a slight increase from last year’s 43.1 million travelers and sets a new record for Memorial Day weekend travel. The majority of travelers—39.1 million—will use personal vehicles, while 3.66 million are expected to fly, representing a small rise compared to 2025. Despite higher gas prices than the previous year, early bookings have led to lower average flight ticket prices, with roundtrip domestic flights averaging $800, a 6% decrease from last year. Stacey Barber, AAA’s Vice President of Travel, emphasized that Memorial Day serves as the unofficial start of summer and a key opportunity for leisure travel. “Travel demand remains strong, and despite higher fuel prices, many people are prioritizing leisure travel during holiday breaks,” she said. The report highlights the growing trend of Americans seeking both domestic and international destinations, with theme parks, landmarks, and cruise routes among the most popular choices. AAA’s data underscores the importance of vehicle maintenance and safety for road travelers. Last Memorial Day weekend, AAA responded to over 350,000 emergency roadside assistance calls, addressing issues such as dead batteries, flat tires, and fuel shortages. The organization urges drivers to check their car’s battery, tire pressure, and fluids before embarking on trips.#american_automobile_association #stacey_barber #hertz #inrix #memorial_day_weekend
