2026 Rose Parade Met with Unprecedented Rain and Cold

Fri Jan 02 2026 00:32:41 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The 137th Rose Parade faced its first rain in two decades, coinciding with challenging weather conditions across the U.S. as winter storms brought severe cold and flight delays.

For the first time in 20 years, rain fell on the iconic Rose Parade, which occurred on a chilly New Year's Day in Pasadena, California. The weather-related disruptions extended beyond California, impacting events in several states, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest, where heavy snow and cold temperatures affected travel and local celebrations.

The 137th Rose Parade kicked off under unexpected and drenching rain in Pasadena, marking the first occurrence of precipitation at this annual event in 20 years. Witnesses braved the weather for the traditional parade, which continued under challenging conditions as flood warnings were issued across southern California.

The rain brought with it one to two inches of downpour, turning the streets into a wet spectacle for the marching bands, floats, and numerous spectators who flocked to the iconic route. The temperature hovered around 58 degrees Fahrenheit (14.4 degrees Celsius) as the parade commenced at 8 a.m.

Meanwhile, across the United States, several regions faced extreme winter weather conditions. New York City celebrated New Year's Eve with frigid temperatures close to freezing, marking the coldest celebration in a decade. Conditions varied widely, with notable snow squalls ripping through states from Wisconsin to New Jersey, causing flight disruptions.

Approximately a quarter of flights were delayed out of major airports like San Diego International and Boston Logan due to the weather chaos. Despite the wet conditions, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses made minor adjustments for the day, such as keeping car tops up for VIP transportation, ensuring the procession could carry on uninterrupted.

In Northern California, evacuation warnings were issued in areas still recovering from previous wildfire devastation. As celebrations were impacted by severe weather from coast to coast, the unprecedented rains in Pasadena reminded many of the unpredictability of winter festivities.