NORFOLK, Va. — This weekend, Norfolk celebrates its beautiful harbor and maritime history and tradition with the 48th annual Harborfest.
It is America's longest-running free maritime festival and it's the biggest weekend of the year for Festevents. 250,000 people are expected to attend over the weekend and they are estimated to pump $19.6 million into the local economy.
With so many people coming to the festivities and with such a boost to our economy, you can bet there is a sharp focus on the weather for the weekend.
Norfolk weather forecast for Harborfest 2024 this weekend
Fortunately, this weekend looks like it will be really good at Town Point Park.
The weather will dry out for the Harborfest weekend with mostly sunny skies and lower humidity Friday. It will still be warm with highs in the upper 80s.
We can look forward to slightly cooler weather Saturday with highs in the middle 80s. Saturday is shaping up to be the best day of the three to enjoy the festivities at Town Point Park.
Temperatures will tick up a bit on Sunday. A few showers are possible late on Sunday, but the rain is expected to arrive after Harborfest ends.
While forecast looks good, Harborfest is ready for any adverse weather conditions
13News Now meteorologist Craig Moeller had a chance to catch up with Ted Baroody, CEO of Festevents, to talk about the weather and what it means to the success of the weekend.
Ted said good weather means everything to events. They can deal with showers and general weather inconveniences, but strong storms and gusty or damaging winds can really impact the weekend.
Festevents constantly monitors the weather forecasts, conditions, and radar for any potential threats.
In the event of severe weather, they have a plan to quickly and safely move attendees out of the park and to safer areas. But it isn't just powerful storms that can be problematic.
Too much heat or excessive heat and humidity can also present problems. Winds in excess of 16 to 19 mph can impact the drone show's ability to perform all of the intricate maneuvers they execute.
They also monitor the wind speed and direction to know how to position the fireworks barge for the safest and best viewing for spectators.
RELATED: Several Norfolk roads to close for Harborfest; people encouraged to use public transit to get there
Stay tuned to 13News Now for updates to the forecast over the coming days!
