Wet conditions expected through Wednesday; clearing in time for parade route conditions to improve by Thursday morning
Challenging Week Ahead for Holiday Week Travelers
New York City faces a mixed weather pattern this week that will test the patience of holiday travelers and Thanksgiving parade enthusiasts. Monday is the clear winner–crisp fall sunshine with temperatures climbing to the low 50s makes it an ideal day to complete outdoor holiday preparations. Enjoy it while it lasts.
Rain and Travel Disruption Tuesday and Wednesday
A First Alert Weather Day has been issued for Tuesday as rain develops in the afternoon and evening, bringing potential travel disruptions coinciding with holiday commute traffic. Temperatures will remain mild in the low to mid-50s. Wednesday provides limited relief–skies stay mostly cloudy with intermittent showers possible, though steadier rain ends. Temperatures will reach around 60 degrees, remaining above seasonal norms. Commuters should expect delays on transit systems, roadways, and airports as holiday travelers add pressure to already-strained infrastructure.
Thanksgiving and Beyond: The Cold Returns
Just in time for Thanksgiving, the weather pattern shifts dramatically. Thursday will be blustery and significantly colder-approximately 15 degrees below recent highs–with highs only reaching the mid-40s. Bundle up for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade route if joining spectators. Friday’s Black Friday shopping conditions will be even harsher: chilly and windy with highs in the low 40s but feeling like the 30s with wind chill. The Macy’s parade balloon inflation celebration on the Upper West Side Monday evening will occur under excellent conditions, but forecast patterns may shift by inflation dates, so monitor updates closely.
Planning Your Holiday Travel
For New Yorkers traveling outside the city, depart before Tuesday afternoon when rain arrives or prepare for delays. For those staying local, the weekend before Thanksgiving is your weather window for final outdoor preparations. The holiday week itself will be cold, so plan accordingly. Thanksgiving morning should dry out sufficiently for parade viewing, though bundle up against the wind. Sources: CBS New York meteorology; National Weather Service forecasts; NYC travel advisories.
