New York City Thanksgiving weekend forecast: What you need to know for the parade and more

Thanksgiving forecast for NYC, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut

ByEyewitness News WABC logo

NEW YORK (WABC) -- As we head into the holiday weekend, here's what chief meteorologist Lee Goldberg says you need to know about the AccuWeather forecast in the New York area.

Wednesday: Lingering Showers, Mild Air

Wednesday will be mostly cloudy with occasional, widely scattered showers. While most of the day stays quiet, there's a close call with a heavier band of rain brushing the coastline during the morning commute, especially for Long Island and the Jersey Shore.

Temperatures will be unusually mild, climbing into the lower 60s, during the balloon inflation event for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on the Upper West Side in the afternoon. A few breaks of sunshine are possible away from the coast.

nyc macys thanksgiving parade balloon inflation forecast

Wednesday Night: Cold Front Arrives

Conditions change quickly on Wednesday night as a cold front sweeps through. Expect one last round of showers, possibly with a rumble of thunder, before skies clear and winds shift west. Temperatures will drop sharply into the 30s and low 40s by Thanksgiving morning.

Thanksgiving Day: Blustery and Chilly

The holiday will feel brisk and cold. Morning parade temperatures hover near 42 degrees, but strong west winds gusting 30-35 mph will make it feel like the 30s all day. These gusts are near the threshold for balloon restrictions, so parade organizers may need to keep balloons lower than usual. New York City law prohibits Macy's from flying the full-size balloons if sustained winds exceed 23 mph or wind gusts are over 35 mph.

Afternoon highs reach the mid-40s under a mix of sun and clouds.

Friday: Even Windier, With a Chance of Snowflakes

Friday brings stronger winds and a wintry twist. Lake-effect snow showers could push into the Catskills, Poconos, and Hudson Valley, with a few flakes possibly reaching New York City. Temperatures stay cold, and wind chills remain in the 30s.

Weekend Outlook: Calmer Saturday, Wet Sunday

Saturday is the pick of the week - sunny, calmer, and great for travel with highs near 43F.

Sunday turns wet again as rain moves in during the afternoon and evening, clearing by Monday morning.

If you're heading toward the Midwest, expect accumulating snow from Minneapolis to Chicago, while the South sees steady rain. Check here to read more about the weather across the country from ABC News.

Stay tuned to Eyewitness News and AccuWeather for updates as conditions evolve.