At a Glance
- Rain drenches the 137th Rose Parade for the first time in 20 years
- Snow squalls and cold hit New York City and the Midwest
- About a quarter of flights delayed at San Diego and Boston airports
- Why it matters: Weather shaped a historic celebration and impacted travel across the U.S.
On New Year’s Day, a rare downpour soaked the 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena, while snow and frigid temperatures rattled cities from New York to the Midwest, turning a beloved tradition into a weather-dominated spectacle.
Rose Parade Turns into Rain Show
The 137th Rose Parade, which usually runs dry, received 1-2 inches of rain as it began at 8 a.m., bringing the temperature to 58°F. Organizers made only minor adjustments, such as raising the tops on convertibles carrying grand marshal Magic Johnson and other VIPs. The parade stretched nearly six miles, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators and millions more on television.
Nationwide Weather Chaos
The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for all California counties and a coastal flood advisory along the Pacific Coast near San Francisco. Evacuation warnings were in place for residents in areas devastated by last year’s wildfires. Across the country, an Alberta clipper and trailing Arctic front produced snow squalls and high winds from Wisconsin to New England.
- Snow squalls and high winds in:
- Wisconsin
- Northern Illinois
- Michigan
- Northern New Jersey
- Southeast New York
- New England
Travel Disruptions
Flight delays affected roughly 25% of departures from San Diego International Airport and Boston Logan Airport, according to FlightAware. The delays reflected the widespread impact of the cold snap and precipitation on transportation.
Key Takeaways
- First rainy Rose Parade in 20 years
- Snow and cold hit major U.S. cities, making it the coldest New Year’s Day in a decade
- Travel delays hit San Diego and Boston, affecting a quarter of flights
As the day unfolded, the unexpected weather turned a festive parade into a reminder of how climate can shape even the most cherished celebrations.
