Bitter cold and possible snow predicted for Donald Trump’s inauguration day

Unlike Trump’s first inauguration in 2017, which saw a high of 48 degrees with light rain, this ceremony will likely be one of the coldest inaugurations in recent history.

By: Express Web Desk
Updated: January 16, 2025 10:07 PM IST

2 min read

Inauguration Day weather has often been unpredictable, ranging from record-breaking heat to bone-chilling cold. (Photo: Representational, AP/PTI)

President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration day on 20th January, is expected to bring bitterly cold weather, with a possibility of snow adding to the wintry conditions, reported USA Today. The National Weather Service predicts temperatures in the upper 20s to low 30s, with gusty winds making it feel even colder under mostly cloudy skies. Snowfall chances currently stand at 30%.

Unlike Trump’s first inauguration in 2017, which saw a high temperature of 48-degrees Celsius with light rain, this ceremony will likely be one of the coldest inaugurations in recent history.

The Washington, DC, weather service notes the potential for an “impactful winter system” on Monday. While details remain uncertain, officials are closely monitoring the situation.

Inauguration day weather has often been unpredictable, ranging from record-breaking heat to bone-chilling cold. The average January 20 temperature at noon, the time of the oath, is 37 degrees Celsius.

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Past weather records for US presidential inaugurations

Here are the extreme weather conditions that US presidential inaugurations have seen since 1937 — the year in which the ceremony was held i January for the first time:

Warmest: 55°F at Reagan’s first inauguration in 1981.
Coldest: 7°F at Reagan’s second inauguration in 1985, which was moved indoors due to frigid conditions.
Snowiest: Eight inches of snow fell before John F. Kennedy’s 1961 inauguration.

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Weather has played a significant role in inaugural history. William Henry Harrison’s refusal to wear a coat in freezing, rainy conditions during his 1841 address may have contributed to his death a month later from pneumonia.

Previously, inaugurations used to be held on March 4 but the day was officially moved to January 20 in 1937 to reduce the chances of rain and snow, though colder conditions are now more likely.

(With inputs from USA Today)

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