Can Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloons Fly in the Rain Thursday?

Weather forecasts predicts a rainy Thanksgiving holiday, particularly in New York City where the annual parade is held

Rain or shine, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will go on. 

According to the latest weather forecasts by Fox and NBC, it is expected to rain in New York City during the 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade on Thursday, Nov. 28. Per the department store chain, the annual event sees roughly 3.5 million people trekking out to the parade route to see the spectacle live and 30 million people watching from home.

But will there still be a parade given the inclement weather?

Fortunately, the parade, which is set to feature a star-studded lineup of performers, will proceed regardless of rain, a spokesperson told The New York Post. However, if the wind gets too aggressive many of the large character balloons won't be permitted to fly. 

Related: It’s Almost Time! Here’s Everything to Know About the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Including How to Watch the Festivities from Home

Based on city guidelines that were enacted in 1998 after a spectator was injured at the parade by a balloon hitting a lamppost, no oversized balloons are allowed to be operated when sustained wind conditions exceed 23 miles per hour or wind gusts exceed 34 miles per hour.

But that does not mean viewers won’t be able to see the fun array of balloons at the parade, including Smokey Bear, Stuart the Minion, SpongeBob SquarePants, The Pillsbury Doughboy, Ronald McDonald and Minnie Mouse for the first time ever.

Fox reports that the wind should be light on Thursday at roughly 5-10 miles per hour, which is well below the 23 miles per hour limit.

PEOPLE reached out to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for additional information, but did not immediately hear back.

Related: Who's Performing at the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade? See the Full Lineup

Per NBC, the rain is expected to begin early in the morning and continue throughout the day. Therefore, those planning on catching the parade in person should be dressed appropriately for wet and cold weather.

PEOPLE previously reported that the U.S. may see "a White Thanksgiving" as winter weather pushes across the country throughout the week, according to the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center (WPC). 

It will likely be a "wet" and "unsettled" Thanksgiving and holiday weekend for many, especially those on the East Coast, per the WPC.

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The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a three-and-a-half-hour event hosted by Today's Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker. The parade will start at West 77th Street and Central Park West and make its way to Macy's Herald Square via Sixth Avenue.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will air on NBC and stream on Peacock.