As 2024 approaches, two celebrated New Year's traditions — the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, and the famed Times Square ball drop in New York City — are facing potentially severe weather conditions.
The Rose Parade, which has enjoyed 20 consecutive dry years, is now poised for a rare New Year’s Day rain, even with forecasts mentioning the possibility of thunder. AccuWeather meteorologist John Feerick commented, It’s looking like a wet one. It may not be raining the whole time, but we could see some substantial downpours. This uncertainty may affect the experience of the hundreds of thousands of attendees expected at this year's event.
Despite the rain concerns, organizers, including Candy Carlson from the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, have only made minor adjustments, indicating the iconic elements, such as convertible tops for grand marshals, will remain unchanged.
Simultaneously, in New York City, temperatures are likely to hover around the low 30s Fahrenheit (approximately 0°C), potentially leading to one of the coldest New Year’s celebrations in recent memory. Meteorologist Jesse Ferrell noted, The midnight temperature could very well be the coldest since the transition between 2017 and 2018. Flurries and brisk winds are also anticipated as crowds gather in Times Square.
In addition to these two grand events, other cities are bracing for their own weather-related challenges. Las Vegas forecasts rain mixed with festive fireworks, while Nashville and New Orleans are preparing for their celebrations amidst chilly temperatures, with the latter experiencing mid-40s Fahrenheit (around 7°C) during their annual concert and fireworks show.
As the date draws close, attendees in Pasadena and New York City prepare to brave the elements, determined to make unforgettable memories as they usher in the New Year.
