NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — The forecast for the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a dreary one, with consistent rain expected through midday, as New York City officials prepare to host the event expected to bring in 2 million spectators.
Wednesday night will be cloudy with some late rain, which may be mixed with wet snow in New York and New Jersey north and west of Interstate 287. According to AccuWeather, the low in the city is expected to be 43, but will drop to the mid to upper 30s in many suburbs.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will kick off in Manhattan at 8:30 a.m., and attendees are encouraged to take mass transit to the event. High traffic is expected due to the holiday, and numerous roads are closed to accommodate the festivities. Check a full list of road closures here.
AccuWeather forecasts that it will already be raining by the time spectators hit the streets. Thanksgiving will see rain—heavy at times—through midday before tapering off in the afternoon. It may be breezy at times with ponding on streets and sidewalks, and the high will remain at 48.
The NYPD reminds people that there are some items that are not allowed in the viewing area, including umbrellas. Bags or backpacks larger than 12x6x12, coolers, alcoholic beverages, chairs, weapons, drones or pets are also not allowed.
Rain will pass by Thursday evening and it will be clear and brisk with a low of 39, AccuWeather said. This leads into sunny, breezy, brisk and dry conditions for the holiday weekend. From Friday through Sunday, the forecast remains similar with highs between the upper 30s and 45.
The NYPD briefed 1010 WINS on its planned security measures last week, but Mayor Eric Adams and his public safety officials held a press conference on Wednesday to prepare New Yorkers and visitors for the event.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said that preparations for an event the size of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade take a full year to get together, and the NYPD is entirely ready to protect the event. There are no credible threats to the parade or New York City, she said.
“Of course there will be an increased police presence, both along the parade route and in the surrounding neighborhoods, including: entry point screenings, uniformed foot posts, bike teams, as well as aviation, K-9, transit and other specialized units,” Tisch said, noting that there will be visible and invisible measures.
Adams focused his remarks on the joy the holiday brings to people, especially children, the economic benefits for the city of an event like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the spirit of the holiday.
“It’s Thanksgiving, not Thanks-receiving,” the mayor said. “Let’s go out and give. There are many New Yorkers who are struggling, invite people to come here to participate in the parade.”
