AUSTIN (KXAN) -- It's a family tradition for many Americans on Thanksgiving but relies heavily on the weather being cooperative. We're talking about the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Originally a Christmas parade, the now Thanksgiving Day parade has been a holiday tradition since 1924. The balloons were added in the year 1927 and are, more often than not, the most-impacted by inclement weather.
The most limiting meteorological factor is the wind. City regulations require the sustained winds to be less than 23 mph and gusts to be short of 34 mph in order for the balloons to fly.
Typically, the parade will go on as planned in rain or snow, the exception being tarps added to cover the balloons. It's also important to note that spectators are not allowed to bring umbrellas.
1957 & 1962: Water got caught in the hats of balloons and dropped on parade-goers.
1997: Strong winds made balloons difficult to control and 4 people were injured.
Winds look to cooperate (less than 15 mph) but rain is likely at the time the parade is expected to begin. Temperatures will only warm to the 40s.
