About 49.3 million people will hit the nation's roadways this Thanksgiving Day holiday as compared with 48.5 million in 2018, representing a 2.8% increase and the highest volume of travelers since 2005.

The data comes from AAA in collaboration with INRIX, a global transportation analytics company.

With record levels of travelers, these experts predict major delays throughout the week, peaking on Wednesday (Nov. 27) with trips taking as much as four times longer than usual.

INRIX has estimated the worst times to travel on Wednesday in some of America's largest cities along with anticipated delay times.

Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York will experience the longest delays — with trips taking approximately 3.5 times longer than the norm — particularly between 5 and 7:30 p.m.

Drivers in Boston and Houston can expect major congestion to begin around 4 p.m. and last until 7 p.m., with travel taking 3.4 times the usual.

Traffic jams will begin a bit earlier in San Francisco (2 to 4 p.m.), Washington D.C. (3 to 5 p.m.) and Seattle (4 to 6 p.m.), with trips taking 3.2, 2.8, and 2.7 times longer than ordinarily.

Finally, Detroit and Chicago motorists can anticipate delays beginning around 4:15 to 7:15 p.m., and travel duration 2.6 and 2.4 times longer, respectively, than on an average day.

Fleet drivers should be prepared to face congestion and possibly hostile drivers as well. Prior to the holiday weekend, drivers should be sure to get enough sleep, and when they do hit the road to stay calm, alert and focused.