Overview
- The 99th edition began at 8:30 a.m. ET, traveling 2.5 miles from West 77th Street and Central Park West to Macy’s Herald Square and wrapping around noon.
- Forecasters called for cold, breezy conditions with gusts that could near limits for balloon flights; safety rules require grounding if sustained winds exceed 23 mph or gusts reach at least 34 mph.
- New giant character balloons include Buzz Lightyear, Pac-Man, Mario and Shrek’s Onion Carriage, joining a lineup of 34 balloons and 28 floats.
- Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker host the NBC broadcast, with an encore at 2 p.m.; Spanish-language coverage is available on Telemundo.
- The NYPD increased security along the route, citing a bulletin describing the event as a potential target for disruptive acts, though no specific threats were identified.