Nov 25, 2019

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons could be grounded due to wind

A balloon of Olaf from "Frozen" flies at the 2018 parade. Photo: Noam Galai/FilmMagic via Getty Images

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade might be without its signature balloons this week as New York City regulations prevent them from flying when winds exceed 23 mph and gusts top 34 mph, CNN reports.

Why it matters: The National Weather Service's forecast shows sustained winds of 22 mph and gusts of 39 mph during the parade, which will force city officials to make a last-minute call on whether or not the 16 balloons can take to the air.

  • The last time the parade's balloons were grounded due to inclement weather was in 1971, according to the New York Times.
  • In 1997, the Cat in the Hat balloon injured four people after being overtaken by strong winds, which sparked current the current regulations.

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