What's happened
Heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast for the Rose Parade in Pasadena, while New York faces its coldest ball drop in years with snow flurries and low temperatures. Other cities like Las Vegas, Nashville, and New Orleans are also experiencing cold weather and rain, impacting traditional celebrations.
What's behind the headline?
The forecasted weather for the Rose Parade and New Year’s Eve highlights the increasing unpredictability of seasonal weather patterns, likely driven by climate variability. The rain and thunderstorms threaten to diminish the parade’s spectacle, potentially reducing attendance and viewership. Conversely, the cold snap in New York underscores a shift toward more extreme winter conditions, which could impact public safety and event logistics.
This convergence of weather extremes reveals a broader trend of climate instability, which will likely intensify in the coming years. Organizers are making minimal adjustments, indicating a reliance on traditional formats despite the changing climate. The weather disruptions serve as a reminder that outdoor celebrations are increasingly vulnerable to climate fluctuations, and future planning must incorporate more resilient strategies.
The impact on local economies, especially in tourism-dependent cities like Pasadena and New York, could be significant if weather conditions persist or worsen. The weather may also influence public behavior, with some choosing to stay indoors, thus affecting the cultural and social fabric of these events. Overall, these forecasts foreshadow a future where weather unpredictability will be a defining feature of major public celebrations, demanding adaptive responses from organizers and policymakers.
What the papers say
The articles from NY Post, The Independent, and AP News all emphasize the unusual weather patterns impacting the traditional New Year’s celebrations. The NY Post highlights the rain forecast for the Rose Parade, noting it’s been dry for 20 years but now faces potential downpours and thunder. The Independent and AP News reinforce this, adding details about the parade’s small adjustments and the forecasted cold in New York, which could be the coldest since 2017-2018. While all sources agree on the weather challenges, the NY Post provides specific insights into the parade’s preparations, whereas The Independent and AP focus more on the broader implications of the cold snap and its impact on festivities across multiple cities.
How we got here
The 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena, typically dry for two decades, faces rare weather challenges with rain and thunderstorms forecasted. Meanwhile, New York City prepares for its annual New Year’s Eve ball drop amid historic cold temperatures, driven by seasonal weather patterns. Other cities are experiencing similar winter conditions, affecting public festivities.
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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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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AccuWeather Inc. is an American media company that provides commercial weather forecasting services worldwide.
AccuWeather was founded in 1962 by Joel N.
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Pasadena is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States, 11 miles northeast of Downtown Los Angeles. It is the most populous city and the primary cultural center of the San Gabriel Valley.