Times Square New Year's Eve ball drop threatened by storms as people flock to celebrate in New York City
Major cities, such as New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and Boston will likely see rainy weather as the clock approaches midnight.
Times Square New Year's Eve ball drop threatened by storms in New York City
Multiple rounds of rain are likely for those who are packing Times Square in New York City to watch the ball drop. The FOX Forecast Center said atmospheric conditions could be conducive for some thunderstorms to produce lightning that could illuminate the sky above the Big Apple. If that occurs, it would be the first time New York City has reported a thunderstorm in December since 1971.
Millions of Americans across the U.S. will be ringing in the New Year with umbrellas and ponchos as rain, snow, and even some thunderstorms could impact celebrations as we welcome 2025.
Multiple rounds of rain are likely for those who are packing Times Square in New York City, and it could be historic.
The FOX Forecast Center said atmospheric conditions could be conducive for some thunderstorms to produce lightning that could illuminate the sky above New York City.
If that occurs, that would be the first time the Big Apple has reported a thunderstorm in December since 1971.
Nonetheless, heavy rain could impact travel along the busy Interstate 95 corridor from the mid-Atlantic to the Northeast and New England.
Early in the day, thunderstorms were already causing trouble for travelers. An American Airlines flight from Columbus, Ohio, to Boston was diverted shortly after takeoff due to a possible lightning strike. A spokesperson said the flight landed in Pittsburgh without incident, and maintenance teams are assessing the aircraft.
(FOX Weather)
In fact, NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has placed nearly 18 million people in the mid-Atlantic under a Level 1 out of 5 risk on its 5-point severe thunderstorm risk scale.
Cities in the threat zone include Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Lexington, Kentucky, and Arlington, Virginia.
The main threats from the storms include large hail, damaging wind gusts and even a possible tornado.
For the million or so people planning on packing Times Square for the traditional ball drop to ring in 2025, plan on rain and temperatures in the upper 40s.
RUSH OF ARCTIC AIR TO INVADE US DURING FIRST WEEKS OF 2025
(FOX Weather)
Temperatures will be chilly for most in the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest, where a storm system might produce snow. So those who may have missed out on a white Christmas could see some powder on New Year’s Eve.
The Pacific Northwest will also see precipitation on New Year’s Eve as a parade of atmospheric river-type storms continues. Expect periods of rain in the lowlands and more snow in the mountains.
NEW YEAR'S EVE STRONG GEOMAGNETIC STORM COULD TRIGGER DISPLAYS OF NORTHERN LIGHTS ACROSS US
The 2025 New Year's Eve numerals are lit up in Times Square on December 18, 2024 in New York City.
(Wang Fan/China News Service/VCG / Getty Images)
In contrast, dry conditions will be found in the Southwest, Southern Plains and the Deep South, along with Alaska and Hawaii.
To find out how the weather could impact your New Year’s plans, be sure to download the free FOX Weather app on your phone.