Major New Year’s celebrations in the United States are bracing for inclement weather, altering attendees' expectations and preparations. The renowned Rose Parade, held in Pasadena, California, is forecasted to encounter unprecedented rain on New Year’s Day, breaking a two-decade dry spell. John Feerick, a meteorologist from AccuWeather, expressed concerns, predicting, It’s looking like a wet one, with the potential for thunder mixed with rain. Thousands of attendees seeking prime viewing spots for the two-hour parade, which kicks off at 8 a.m., may find themselves waiting in less-than-ideal conditions.
In New York City, the celebratory mood may also be dampened by frigid temperatures nearing the low 30s Fahrenheit (about zero degrees Celsius) for the familiar midnight ball drop in Times Square. This event, which draws hundreds of thousands of onlookers and millions of viewers worldwide, faces its own set of weather challenges, as it could register as one of the coldest New Year’s Eves in recent memory. Meteorologist Jesse Ferrell indicated that the midnight temperature might be among the chilliest since the transition of 2017 to 2018.
Elsewhere in the country, rain is a possibility in Las Vegas, and Nashville is expected to experience similarly cold weather during its celebration events. As festivities proceed, city officials and organizers are emphasizing the importance of warmth and comfort for all attendees. The Rose Parade will still proceed with the tops down on convertibles for their grand marshal Earvin “Magic” Johnson and other VIPs despite the unfavorable forecasts. At the same time, those joining the Times Square celebrations are advised to bundle up in preparation for a potentially brisk night ahead.
