What's happened
The 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena faced rain and wet weather, with organizers making minimal adjustments. Meanwhile, New York City experienced its coldest New Year’s Eve in years, with temperatures near freezing and snow flurries. Weather conditions varied across the US, impacting celebrations and travel plans.
What's behind the headline?
The weather forecast for the Rose Parade highlights a rare deviation from its typical dry conditions, with a 100% chance of rain predicted. This will likely cause logistical challenges, such as the need for rain gear on floats and potential mechanical issues. The decision to keep most parade elements unchanged demonstrates resilience but also risks dampening the spectacle. The broader weather pattern, including Arctic air and snow in the Midwest and Northeast, underscores a significant cold snap that will impact travel and outdoor events nationwide. The timing suggests that climate variability is increasingly influencing traditional celebrations, with rain and snow becoming more unpredictable. This shift could lead to more frequent disruptions of iconic events, forcing organizers to adapt further and possibly reconsider event planning in the face of changing climate patterns.
What the papers say
The coverage from AP News, The Independent, and NY Post presents a consistent picture of an unusual weather pattern impacting major New Year’s celebrations. AP News emphasizes the rain and flood warnings in California, noting the first rain in 20 years for the parade. The Independent highlights the cold snap in New York City, with temperatures near zero and snow squalls, while also mentioning disruptions in other cities like Las Vegas and Nashville. The NY Post underscores the rarity of rain and thunder at the Rose Parade, with organizers making only minor adjustments. Despite slight differences in tone—AP News providing a straightforward report, The Independent offering detailed weather context, and the NY Post focusing on the parade's resilience—all sources agree that this weather event is notable for its rarity and potential impact on festivities. The timing of these reports, just days before the events, suggests a strategic focus on weather preparedness and public awareness.
How we got here
The Rose Parade, a longstanding New Year’s tradition in Pasadena, was expected to be affected by a rare forecast of rain after 20 years of dry weather. The event coincides with the college football Rose Bowl. Across the country, cold weather and snow impacted New Year’s Eve celebrations, with forecasts predicting the coldest temperatures in a decade for New York City and snow squalls in the Midwest and Northeast. These weather patterns follow a week of flooding, mudslides, and wildfires in California, with the parade organizers preparing for possible rain despite historical rarity.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Are New Year Celebrations Being Disrupted by Weather in 2025?
This New Year’s Eve, many celebrations across the US are facing unexpected weather challenges. From rain and thunderstorms at the Rose Parade to record low temperatures in New York City, the weather is impacting traditional festivities. Curious about what's causing these disruptions and how celebrations are adapting? Below, we answer common questions about this year's unusual weather and its effects on New Year’s events.
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Why Was the New Year Celebrated Differently This Year?
This New Year, celebrations across the US faced unexpected disruptions due to unusual weather conditions. Heavy rain, snow, and freezing temperatures impacted iconic events like the Rose Parade and Times Square ball drop. Many are wondering why these celebrations were affected and what the weather means for upcoming festivities. Below, we explore the reasons behind these disruptions and what to expect in the days ahead.
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New York is a state in the Northeastern United States. New York was one of the original thirteen colonies that formed the United States. With more than 19 million residents in 2019, it is the fourth-most-populous state.
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