The Iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Paradea tradition that has illuminated the streets of Manhattan for almost 100 years, will face this Thursday November 28 a challenging climate scenario. According to the FOX Forecast Centera winter storm will impact the northeast of USAbringing persistent rain and cold temperatures just as thousands of people gather to celebrate the start of the Christmas season.
However, the threat of rain does not stop preparations for the parade, which will feature enormous custody, decorated floats, musical bands and dozens of performances. Since its beginnings in 1924this event has been a display of creativity and joy, attracting both residents and tourists. The climate has historically been a crucial factor for its development.
The forecast indicates that the rain It will begin in the early hours of Thursday and could last between 6 and 12 hours, with estimated accumulations of between one and 2.5 centimeters of water. Although parade organizers have dealt with rain in the past, the additional logistics involved in handling the balloons in wet, cold conditions are raising concerns.
For their part, the light winds forecast, between 8 and 16 kilometers per hour with occasional gusts, are encouraging news. “At the moment, we do not expect the winds to reach dangerous levels for balloons,” meteorologists from the FOX Forecast Center. Safety protocols stipulate that balloons should not fly if sustained winds exceed 37 kilometers per hour or if gusts reach 55 kilometers per hour.
The security of balloons has been a recurring theme in the history of the parade. A notable incident occurred in 1997when gusts of wind caused a balloon to crash into a light pole, injuring a spectator. That same day, another balloon was damaged and collapsed on the street. These accidents led to the implementation of strict measures, including wind speed limits and constant monitoring during the event.
The balloons, which represent iconic characters such as Snoopy, Pikachu y SpongeBobare one of the biggest attractions of the parade. Their handling requires teams of well-trained manipulators who work in coordination to guide these enormous structures through the narrow streets of Manhattan. Under adverse weather conditions, the task is significantly complicated.
The rain not only affects the balloons, but also other elements of the parade, such as the decorated floats and the costumes of the participants. Additionally, it could influence public attendance along the parade route, which extends from the Upper West Side until Herald Squarein front of the flagship store of Macy’s.
He New York Police Department (NYPD) is also preparing to ensure the security of the event, deploying thousands of officers and specialized equipment. Rain and low temperatures could add logistical challenges, but authorities have reiterated that they are ready to handle any eventuality.
The report of FOX Forecast Center points out that the precipitation They could vary in intensity throughout the day. Although they are not expected thunderstormsconstant rains could hinder visibility and make the streets slippery, posing a risk to both participants and attendees.
Organizers are closely monitoring the weather system to adjust plans if necessary. “Our priority is to guarantee the security of everyone, while we keep this beloved tradition alive,” said a spokesperson for Macy’s a NBC News.
Throughout its history, the Thanksgiving Day Parade has faced various challenges, from wars to pandemics, and has always found ways to adapt. In 2020during the pandemic COVID-19the parade was held without an audience and with a reduced format, demonstrating the organizers’ capacity for reinvention.
This year, despite the weather, millions of people are expected to follow the event both in the streets and through the television broadcasts and online. Attendees will have to dress appropriately to brave the rain and cold, but that doesn’t seem to discourage those who consider this parade a symbol of the American holiday spirit.
The parade will begin at 9:00 a.m.local time, at the intersection of West 77th Street y Central Park West. From there, you will travel four kilometers, passing through some of the most emblematic places in Manhattanbefore finishing in front of Macy’s Herald Square.
Featured are expected musical artistsalong with school bands y dance groupsencourage the event. Besides, Santa Claus will make its traditional appearance at the end of the parade, officially marking the start of the Christmas season.
On Wednesday night, attendees can enjoy a pre-parade tradition: the balloon inflation in the vicinity of the American Museum of Natural History. This event, open to the public, is an opportunity to see up close the process behind these gigantic figures.
