New York City, NY — Organizers and spectators preparing for the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade may face last-minute adjustments this holiday, as forecasters warn that strong, gusty winds could affect the flight of the parade’s signature giant balloons.
With wind speeds expected to flirt with or exceed city safety thresholds, the fate of beloved characters like Spider-Man and Minnie Mouse remains uncertain.
Wind Gusts Forecast to Approach Safety Limits
Meteorologists at the National Weather Service (NWS) in New York report that steady surface winds between 16 and 20 mph are expected Thanksgiving morning, rising to around 21 mph in the early afternoon.
More concerning are the projected wind gusts, which may reach:
- 26 mph in the morning
- 36 mph in the early afternoon
Certain parts of the New York metro region could see isolated gusts reaching 40 to 45 mph, according to the NWS forecast — conditions that could pose challenges for handlers of the enormous helium-filled balloons marching through Manhattan.
Strict Safety Rules Dictate Balloon Height and Flight
New York City enforces some of the strictest parade balloon regulations in the country. The rules were put in place after the infamous 1997 Thanksgiving incident, when powerful winds caused a Cat in the Hat balloon to hit a light pole, injuring four people — including one spectator who fell into a coma.
Under current city guidelines:
- Sustained winds must remain under 23 mph
- Wind gusts cannot exceed 34 mph
If wind speeds go beyond those limits, balloon handlers must either lower the balloons significantly or—if conditions become unsafe—ground them entirely.
Balloons Have Been Grounded Only Once in Parade History
Despite the parade’s nearly 99-year history, balloons have been grounded only once, in 1971, when severe weather made flying them impossible. Since then, organizers have consistently found ways to adapt, whether by lowering balloons or adjusting the lineup.
However, officials for the 2025 parade did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Monday, leaving millions wondering whether this year’s lineup will soar above Manhattan as usual.
Beloved Characters Could Fly Lower or Not at All
If wind speeds remain elevated, popular giant inflatables — including Spider-Man, Minnie Mouse, and numerous new additions debuting in 2025 — may have to fly at low altitudes, controlled by dozens of handlers gripping guide ropes. In extreme cases, some balloons could be grounded completely.
Local residents and tourists alike wait each year to see the towering figures floating down Central Park West and through Herald Square, making the balloon flight status one of the parade’s most closely watched elements.
Cold Temperatures Will Add to Parade Day Challenges
Aside from the wind, paradegoers should prepare for chilly conditions. Temperatures in Manhattan Thursday morning are expected to stay in the low 40s, but the wind will make it feel closer to 32 to 36 degrees — cold enough to require heavy layers for anyone planning to spend hours outside watching the parade.
With millions of spectators lining the streets and millions more watching from home, organizers will likely issue a final decision on balloon operations shortly before the parade begins.
Should organizers ground the balloons if winds get too high, or should the parade continue with extra precautions? Share your thoughts in the comments — New Yorkers want to hear from you!
