Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Forecast Calls for Mostly Pleasant Conditions

Posted: November 22, 2023 6:39 am

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade dates back to 1924, making it nearly 100 years since this popular parade has delighted people all over the country. Over the years, the parade has seen weather conditions of nearly every variety. Will the weather cooperate for this year’s festive occasion in New York City? Read on for the details.

History of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The first parade took place in New York City on November 27, 1924. Employees of the famous department store in midtown Manhattan organized the parade in an effort to draw shoppers into the new store and to increase holiday sales. The first parade featured live animals from the Central Park Zoo with the highlights changing over the years.

For instance, the iconic balloons made their debut in the parade in 1927 as Felix the Cat soared up in the sky. The parade was first televised in the year 1947, starting its run as a tradition for American families to watch as they prepare their Thanksgiving feast.

This year’s parade is set to kick off at noon on Thursday November 23. The route begins in Central Park, winding its way around Columbus Circle before heading down 6th Avenue and finishing in front of the flagship Macy’s department store in Herald Square. This year’s parade is scheduled to feature 25 balloons, 31 floats, and dozens of musical performers and marching bands.

Weather Forecast for 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade

The big question on everyone’s minds is will the weather cooperate? Despite the storm system currently making its way across the Northeast, forecasters are predicting mostly pleasant conditions for the event, at least by typical November standards for the Big Apple.

The current forecast is predicting that the 2023 parade will enjoy conditions similar to last year’s event. This will translate to temperatures hovering in the 40s when the parade first starts rolling. The mercury will likely climb into the low 50s by the time the spectacle wraps up.

Keep in mind that real feel readings may be slightly lower due to winds. In addition, you will feel warmer if you view the parade from the side of the street that is in the sun.

New York City is forecast to see light winds on Thursday morning, however, gusts are not expected to hinder the ability of the balloons to fly high. Windy conditions are one of the biggest concerns of parade organizers. The balloons are not allowed to be flown when sustained wind speeds are over 23 mph or if there are regular gusts of over 34 mph.

You will only have to go back to 2019 to find a time when the balloons were nearly grounded because of high winds. The speeds dropped just in time for the New York City Police Department to give the green light for the balloons to take flight.

Looking Ahead to the Rest of the Weekend Forecast for New York City

Thanksgiving is likely going to be the warmest day of the long holiday weekend in New York City. The mercury will struggle to climb out of the upper 40s on Friday under a mix of sun and clouds. It will be even chillier on Saturday with a predicted high of just 41 degrees. Despite more clouds building up over the city skyline on Sunday, highs could break the 50-degree barrier once again.

Forecasters are also keeping an eye on a weak disturbance that could approach New York City and the rest of the Northeast by the end of the weekend. While widespread stormy conditions similar to what happened on Tuesday are not likely to be a concern, the region could see the chance of scattered rain showers. You will want to stay abreast of this developing weather maker if you have outdoor plans on Sunday or if you will be traveling back home at the tail end of the holiday weekend.

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