Windy? Yes.
But too windy?
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicked off Thursday morning in New York City. But despite wind gusts between 25 mph and 30 mph, the parade’s beloved balloons are flying.
New balloons depicting Buzz Lightyear and Pac-Man took to the skies. Floats featuring Labubu and Lego graced Manhattan’s streets.
But chilly temperatures in the 40s will feel even colder due to the wind gusts for those braving the parade route, according to David Stark, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in New York.
Officials have watched the forecast closely, since city law prohibits Macy’s from flying full-size balloons if sustained winds exceed 23 mph or wind gusts top 35 mph. Weather has grounded the balloons only once, in 1971. But they have soared lower than usual because of wind.
A star-studded lineup of performances will be sprinkled throughout the show, along with a slew of marching bands, dancers and cheerleaders. Performers include “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo, Conan Gray, Lainey Wilson, Foreigner, Lil Jon, and Audrey Nuna, EJAE and Rei Ami of HUNTR/X, the fictional girl group at the heart of this year’s Netflix hit “KPop Demon Hunters.” The Radio City Rockettes also will be there, as will cast members from Broadway’s “Buena Vista Social Club,” “Just in Time” and “Ragtime.”
All told, the parade is expected to feature dozens of balloons, floats, clown groups and marching bands — all leading the way for Santa Claus. Among the new balloons being featured is a large onion carriage featuring eight characters from the world of “ Shrek.” “KPop Demon Hunters” will also be represented in the sky with the characters Derpy Tiger and Sussie.
Something else to look out for are pro-Palestinian protesters, who in recent years have disrupted the parade route. Police “are prepared to address that and any other situations that come our way,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.
The event will air on NBC, hosted by Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker from “Today” and their former colleague Hoda Kotb. On Telemundo, the hosts will be Andrea Meza, Aleyda Ortiz and Clovis Nienow.
The parade is also being simulcast on NBC’s Peacock streaming service.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.nj.com ’
