Thanksgiving Day parades: Winds may ground massive balloons in Northeast, Midwest

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Written by Linda Hohnholz

As the turkey is roasting and pies are baking, much of America turns to another popular Thanksgiving Day tradition to occupy the morning hours.

As the turkey is roasting and pies are baking, much of America turns to another popular Thanksgiving Day tradition to occupy the morning hours.

Thanksgiving parades offer a joyous celebration of the annual holiday and are a mark of the dawn of the holiday season.

While the Macy’s parade held in New York City may be the most famous, DreamPlanGo.com compiled a list of four other top parades across the nation. For those heading out to take part in the celebrations, check out the forecast for the morning festivities.

1. New York City- Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The 88th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off at 9 a.m. EST on Nov. 27 and those crowded along streets hoping to glance at some of the year’s unique floats will want to bundle up.

According to AccuWeather Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski, temperatures will hover in the middle 30s at the start of the parade.

Clouds and sun will mix overhead and blustery conditions could cause disruptions for the infamous giant balloons. There should be a lasting light breeze throughout much of the day with some strong gusts reaching near the 30-mph mark.

As the parade travels and Santa Clause makes his annual appearance, temperatures could rise closer to the daily high near the 40 F mark.

2. Philadelphia- 6abc Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade

Celebrating its 95th year, the annual parade will kick off at 8:30 a.m. EST in the city that is known for introducing the idea of a Thanksgiving parade. Conditions are expected to be dry with partly sunny skies according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Ben Noll.

Some lighter, though not disruptive, breezes will pass over the region during the day. Strong gusts could reach close to the 15-mph mark at times according to Noll.

Parade attendees should dress in warm layers as temperatures at the start of the parade will hover near 35 F. As the day develops, temperatures will rise into the low 40s.

3. Chicago- McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade

Floats and performers will wander down the streets of downtown Chicago on Thanksgiving morning starting at 8 a.m. CST for the annual parade. Onlookers and parade participants should dress appropriately as chilly conditions make for a brisk start to the holiday.

According to Noll, there will be intermittent clouds with some sunshine at times. Those attending the parade should bundle up if expecting to be outside for a long period of time.
“Temperatures topping out about 15 degrees below normal for this time of the year, near 30,” Noll said. “An occasionally gusty breeze will make it feel even chillier.”

The winds could pose a hazard for the traditional giant balloons and larger floats.

Temperatures are expected to hover in the upper 20s in the morning around the start of the parade and rise slightly above freezing as the day continues.

4. Detroit- America’s Thanksgiving Parade

Detroit’s annual Thanksgiving Day parade will celebrate its 88th year with festivities starting at 8:50 a.m. CST.

As floats and entertainers march down Woodward Avenue, they will deal with cold and blustery conditions. As the parade marches on, temperatures will rise towards the upper 30s.

Noll explained there could also be some falling snow for the festivities, especially as the parade winds up in the early afternoon.

5. Houston- H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade

Kicking off at 9 a.m. CST, the 65th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade will tour through downtown, presenting the city’s finest attributes as part of this year’s theme, Houston on Parade.

Parade-watchers are in for a treat this year, according to Noll, as temperatures will hover near 70 F with abundant sunshine.

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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