NYC Thanksgiving Parade 2024: Rain or Shine?

Despite a high-impact winter storm bringing heavy rain and snow to the Northeast, the 98th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC is still on! Millions braved the downpour to witness the spectacle.

<img src="https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox5ny.com/www.fox5ny.com/content/uploads/2024/11/932/524/gettyimages-2186612516.jpg?ve=1&tl=1" alt="Revelers in the rain at the Thanksgiving Day Parade">

Parade Weather Forecast

The forecast predicted rain throughout the parade route, with some heavier downpours. However, wind speeds were expected to remain within the safe range for the giant balloons—below 23 mph sustained winds and 35 mph gusts. Temperatures were in the upper 40s.

<img src="https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox5ny.com/www.fox5ny.com/content/uploads/2024/11/932/524/nyc-macys-parade-forecast.png?ve=1&tl=1" alt="Weather forecast graphic for the parade"><img src="https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox5ny.com/www.fox5ny.com/content/uploads/2024/11/932/524/macys-parade-wind-parameters.png?ve=1&tl=1" alt="Wind forecast graphic for the parade">

Rain totals were predicted to be between 0.5 and 1 inch over 6-12 hours. The only times the parade has been canceled were during World War II (1942-1944).

Northeast Winter Storm

Heavy snow impacted the interior Northeast, causing travel delays. The highest snowfall totals were expected in higher terrain areas like the Catskills, Adirondacks, Poconos, and Green and White Mountains.

<img src="https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox5ny.com/www.fox5ny.com/content/uploads/2024/11/932/524/late-week-east-snow-qpf.png?ve=1&tl=1" alt="Snow forecast graphic for the Northeast"><img src="https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox5ny.com/www.fox5ny.com/content/uploads/2024/11/932/524/parade-soaker-img.jpg?ve=1&tl=1" alt="Revelers in the rain at the Thanksgiving Day Parade">