A significant surge of arctic air is forecasted to usher in brutally low temperatures across much of the United States over the coming days, leading to an unusually cold Inauguration Day on January 20. According to the National Weather Service, the frigid air mass will begin impacting the north-central U.S. on Friday, rapidly spreading south and east through the weekend.
As this cold front advances, regions in the northern Plains and Midwest may experience daily highs plunging to subzero temperatures by Sunday and Monday, with nighttime lows dipping below -20°F. Wind chill factors are expected to exacerbate the already dangerous conditions.
For New York, forecasts predict highs falling to the upper teens on Sunday, with parts of western and central New York expected to see temperatures drop to around 10-12°F on Monday and Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Hudson Valley and New York City will enjoy slightly warmer temperatures, with highs in the mid-20s.
Turning to the weather forecast for Washington, D.C., which will host Donald Trump’s inauguration, the conditions appear to be significantly colder than the typical January temperatures. The inauguration events will kick off on Saturday, with a forecast for that day showing a high of 47°F and a low of 31°F, although rain is expected in the morning. Sunday will see colder temperatures with a high of 34°F, a low of 17°F, and a heightened chance of snow. By Inauguration Day itself, temperatures are expected to plummet further, peaking at only 23°F during the day and dropping to a chilling 6°F at night, though sunny skies are predicted.
Historically, Inauguration Days have varied in temperature extremes. Remarkably, the coldest inauguration on record was Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration in 1985, when temperatures only reached 17°F with wind chills as low as -20°F. The most dramatic inauguration weather occurred in 1841, when President William Henry Harrison delivered a lengthy speech in freezing conditions, which ultimately contributed to his untimely death from pneumonia shortly thereafter.
This year’s cold snap serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of winter weather and emphasizes the historical context of previous inaugurations, where politicians have braved the elements in the name of democracy. As preparations are made for this significant event, the weather adds an additional layer of challenge that could impact attendees and the festivities.
Overall, while the upcoming Inauguration Day forecast presents stark challenges, it also demonstrates the resilience of those involved who must navigate and embrace the harsh winter conditions.