This New Year’s Day, the traditional Rose Parade in Pasadena was met with heavy rain, marking the first time in two decades that the event was disrupted by bad weather. Over 1-2 inches fell on the parade, as organizers made minor adjustments, including keeping convertibles’ tops up for the grand marshal and VIPs.
The parade, which typically attracts hundreds of thousands of live spectators and millions of television viewers across the nation, started at a chilly 58 degrees Fahrenheit (14.4 degrees Celsius) at 8 a.m. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service issued flood warnings and watches for all California counties, including many coastal areas.
Travel disruptions reverberated throughout the country as bad weather played a part in flight delays, with reports indicating that nearly a quarter of flights were delayed from prominent airports like San Diego International and Boston Logan. In the Northeast, snow squalls and high winds impacted celebrations, including the iconic New Year’s Eve ball drop in New York City, which saw its coldest temperatures in a decade.
In addition to challenging conditions, residents in regions recently affected by the devastating 2025 wildfires were under evacuation warnings, adding a level of urgency to local responses. As the sun finally came out in some areas, other regions faced continued harsh winter conditions, making this year’s celebration unique and memorable for its weather-related challenges.
