In brief
On January 1, 2026, the 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, was marked by unexpected rain, a significant change after two decades of dry celebrations. As flood watches were issued and icy conditions spread across the Midwest and Northeast, the parade continued with only minor adjustments. Meanwhile, significant weather disruptions were reported across various parts of the United States, leading to flight delays and evacuation warnings in areas previously affected by last year's wildfires.
Heavy rain swept across Pasadena, marking the 137th Rose Parade on New Year's Day with an unprecedented downpour for the first time in 20 years. Forecasts predicted between one to two inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters) of rain, creating a wet and chilly atmosphere with temperatures around 58 degrees Fahrenheit (14.4 degrees Celsius) at the parade’s start.
As the parade featured marching bands, beautiful floats, and numerous spectators, organizers from the Pasadena Tournament of Roses had made minor adjustments, including keeping the tops up on convertibles carrying special guests like grand marshal Earvin “Magic” Johnson.
Simultaneously, across the country in New York City, the celebration of the New Year was chilly, with temperatures hovering near freezing for the ball drop, the coldest temperatures seen in a decade.
National Weather Service warnings highlighted imminent flood risks for all California counties, compounded by previous experiences with severe wildfires leading to new evacuation orders in affected regions.
Weather conditions varied significantly throughout the United States; New England faced snow squalls due to an Alberta clipper storm, affecting flights with reports indicating about a quarter of flights being delayed from major airports like San Diego International and Boston Logan.
The Rose Parade's experience this year serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather patterns and climate change's footprint on traditional celebrations.
