Brisk winds to whip at New Year's Day Mummers Parade in Philadelphia

Chilly, blustery weather is in store for Philadelphia's annual Mummers Parade on New Year's Day.

The parade, which is in its 120th installment, features 10,000 lavishly dressed participants strutting, twirling and performing along South Broad Street.

Unlike last year's edition, when temperatures climbed through the 50s to a high of 61 degrees Fahrenheit during the parade, conditions this Wednesday will be far from springlike. Rather, the weather will be more seasonable for the time of year.

Temperatures will be in the middle 30s F when the parade begins at 9 a.m. EST and climb to the day's high of 43 during the early afternoon.
A typical high on Jan. 1 is 41 in the City of Brotherly love.

"New Year's Day won't be terribly gusty, but there will still be a noticeable wind," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Heather Zehr said.

A westerly wind of 8-16 mph with gusts up to 20 mph will generally be a crosswind along South Broad Street.

While the tall buildings along the parade route can shelter spectators and participants from the breeze at times, they can also create a wind tunnel effect, causing the winds to pick up speed in between the west-to-east oriented streets.

People participate in the Mummers Parade in Philadelphia, on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012. The parade, often compared to Mardi Gras, is a century-old tradition featuring elaborately festooned musicians, comics and other performers. (AP Photo/Joseph Kaczmarek)

The winds will add further chill to the air with AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures being held to the 20s during the morning hours and 30s in the afternoon. Spectators will want to make sure to have hats, gloves, scarves and warm layers on before heading out the door.

Waterproof gear can be left at home as it will be dry throughout the day with a mixture of clouds and sunshine.

The parade’s origins date back to the late 17th century, when early settlers brought Old World New Year’s traditions to Philadelphia.

The Mummers Parade became officially recognized on Jan. 1, 1901, after starting as unorganized neighborhood celebrations throughout the city.

The parade’s name originates from the term “Mummer,” which refers to an actor or someone who masquerades.

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