Rain to drench 2016 NYC Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting

By Jordan Root, Meteorologist

November 27,2016; 8:51PM,EST

 

Umbrellas and rain-jackets will be needed for those attending the 84th Annual Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting on Nov. 30 in New York City.
"While the first part of Wednesday looks dry in the Big Apple, that doesn't appear to be the case by the evening for the tree lighting ceremony," AccuWeather Meteorologist Bill Deger said.
A nearby low pressure system will help send rain into New York City by Wednesday afternoon which will increase in intensity through the evening hours. This will put a damper on the tree lighting festivities which begin at 7 p.m. EST Wednesday evening.
The 94-foot-tall Norway Spruce, which was selected from Oneonta, New York this year, will be lit up with 45,000 multi-colored LED lights and topped off with the 550 pound Swarovski star.

Folks heading to Midtown Manhattan to see this dazzling display will face a rainy commute and will want to prepare accordingly. Umbrellas, rain-jackets and waterproof shoes will be needed to stay comfortable and dry.
Make sure to check AccuWeather Minutecast® frequently to help prepare for the weather conditions.
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The rain could be heavy enough to cause ponding on some streets and travel delays in the area. Pedestrians will want to use extra caution when walking.
One thing that will not be needed this year are winter jackets as temperatures are expected to be rather mild.
"Temperatures will be relatively mild this time of the year, not far from the 60 degree mark," Deger said.
The Swarovski Star is placed on top of the 94-foot Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, in New York. The 84th Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, November 30. (Diane Bondareff/AP Images for Tishman Speyer)
Similar conditions occurred last year during the tree lighting. Temperatures reached into the upper 50s with a little bit of rain. However, this didn't stop the thousands of people who gathered outside to watch.
Those who may be deterred by the rainy conditions Wednesday will have plenty of opportunity to see the brightly-lit tree through December and into January. The tree will stay lit until 9 p.m. on Jan. 7.