Weather Woes for New Year Celebrations: Rain and Cold Temperatures Loom

Thu Jan 01 2026 02:17:13 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As the Rose Parade in Pasadena and the Times Square ball drop approach, unfriendly weather forecasts predict rain in California and a chilling cold in New York City, challenging holiday festivities.

This New Year's Day, tradition meets unpredictable weather. The Rose Parade, usually held under sunny skies, is set to face rain and potential thunderstorms in Pasadena. Meanwhile, revelers in New York prepare for the coldest ball drop in years, as frigid temperatures in the low 30s Fahrenheit forecast an icy celebration. Both cities adapt to these weather changes while aiming to maintain their celebratory spirits.

The arrival of the New Year brings traditional celebrations in the United States, but this year, Mother Nature has different plans. The famed Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, is facing wet forecasts for the first time in two decades as the event prepares to kick off.

For the first time since 2003, rain and possibly thunderstorms are expected on New Year's Day, disrupting what is usually a bright and colorful parade marked by floral floats and lively marching bands. “It’s looking like a wet one,” cautioned AccuWeather meteorologist John Feerick, stating that heavy downpours and the chance of thunder could accompany the festivities.

In stark contrast, New York City is bracing for extreme cold, with temperatures potentially plummeting to the low 30s Fahrenheit during the iconic Times Square ball drop. Forecasters suggest this could be one of the coldest New Year’s celebrations in recent years, reminiscent of the bitter chill experienced on the cusp of 2017 and 2018.

In typical New York spirit, crowds are expected to congregate despite the cold, decked out in layers and ready for a frigid countdown to midnight. The contrast in weather between the bustling streets of New York and the often sun-soaked avenues of Pasadena underscores the unpredictability of winter weather.

Other cities are not exempt either; Las Vegas anticipates rain with possible fireworks displays from casino rooftops, while Nashville faces a chilly evening in the low 30s with a musical countdown featuring a giant illuminated note. Meanwhile, New Orleans expects milder conditions in the mid-40s along the Mississippi River for its celebratory concert and fireworks.

Despite the weather-related hurdles, organizers remain optimistic. In Pasadena, small adjustments are being made to ensure the parade can proceed, emphasizing adaptability as a vital aspect of celebrating amid changing weather patterns. As the nation gears up for its New Year’s festivities, monitoring these weather conditions will be key to ensuring the celebrations continue as planned.