Home
Weather New York
WeatherRadar
RainRadar
TemperatureRadar
WindRadar
LightningRadar
Weather News
Editor's Pick
Discover the app
Weather widget
Contact us
Apps
Career
    Home / Weather News /

    It marches on - Thanksgiving Parade: Weather-Proof Tradition

05:00 PM
November 26, 2025

It marches on
Thanksgiving Parade: Weather-Proof Tradition

The Snoopy Balloon passes Columbus Circle at the Macy's 80th Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, Thursday, 23 November, 2006. (EPA/PETER FOLEY)

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is tomorrow, and if history proves itself, the weather will, once again, not be a showstopper.

Since its inaugural run in 1924, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been an unbroken tradition, marching through rain, snow and bitter cold. Remarkably, it has never been canceled due to weather conditions, demonstrating the steadfast commitment of its organizers and participants to delight millions of spectators year after year.

In 2006, the parade faced its wettest conditions on record as heavy rain poured down on New York City. That day, 1.72 inches of rain fell during the event, drenching performers and attendees alike. Despite the miserable weather, the parade continued as scheduled, with spectators armed with umbrellas and ponchos lining the streets to catch a glimpse of the iconic balloons and floats.

Wind also posed a major challenge in 1997, when gusts reached speeds of up to 43 mph. The blustery conditions caused the infamous Cat in the Hat balloon accident, which struck a lamppost, injuring a spectator. In response, organizers decided to lower many of the balloons, but the parade itself pushed forward, a testament to the resilience of the event.

The only cancellations in the parade’s history occurred during World War II (1942–1944) to support the war effort. Even in 2020, amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the parade was adapted into a televised event rather than being called off entirely.

Federico Di Catarina
More on the topic
Heat wave setting records across Europe. London breaks May record. . . Tuesday, May 26, 2026
European heat wave
Tuesday, May 26, 2026

London breaks May record

Heat wave setting records across Europe
Longest day of the year is here. Summer solstice. . . Sunday, June 21, 2026
Sunday, June 21, 2026

Summer solstice

Longest day of the year is here
High pressure & extreme heat. Why & how does it work?. . . Sunday, June 28, 2026
Sunday, June 28, 2026

Why & how does it work?

High pressure & extreme heat
All weather news
This might also interest you
Lightning season in full bloom. Staying safe this summer. . . Monday, July 6, 2026
Monday, July 6, 2026

Staying safe this summer

Lightning season in full bloom
Slow-moving storms and heavy rain. What to look for. . . Monday, July 6, 2026
Monday, July 6, 2026

What to look for

Slow-moving storms and heavy rain
Hotter in Detroit than Miami. Heatwave begins. . . Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Heatwave begins

Hotter in Detroit than Miami
All articles
Weather & Radar

Weather & Radar is also available on

Google Play StoreApp Store

Company

Contact us Privacy policy Legal info Accessibility statement

Services

Uploader

Socials

instagramfacebookthreadslinkList