President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration is set to be the coldest since Ronald Reagan’s second ceremony in 1985, with temperatures expected to plummet and wind chills reaching single digits.
Trump loves breaking records, so this is another he can add to his list!
At a Glance
- Trump’s inauguration forecast: around 21°F, feeling like 11°F at noon
- Temperatures expected to be about 10 degrees below average
- Strong winds of 15-20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph predicted
- Over 200,000 attendees expected despite cold conditions
- Former President Obama to attend, but Michelle Obama will not
Arctic Blast to Hit Washington D.C.
As Donald Trump prepares to take the oath of office as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, Mother Nature seems determined to provide a chilly reception. Meteorologists are forecasting one of the coldest inauguration days in recent history, with temperatures expected to hover around 21 degrees Fahrenheit, feeling like a mere 11 degrees at noon due to wind chill.
Brian LaSorsa, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, warns of the potentially dangerous conditions. “We’re going to have dangerously cold temperatures with low wind chills,” LaSorsa said.
“We’re looking at winds about 15 to 20 miles per hour with gusts 25 to 30 miles per hour,” she added. “When you combine that with the very cold air temperatures, that’s what’s going to cause the dangerously low wind chill values.”
Yikes!
Historical Context
If the forecast holds true, this inauguration will be the coldest since Ronald Reagan’s second ceremony in 1985. That year, temperatures plummeted to a bone-chilling 7 degrees Fahrenheit, with wind chills between -10 to -20 degrees, forcing the ceremony indoors. By comparison, recent inaugurations have been relatively mild. Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration saw temperatures of 42 degrees, while Trump’s own 2017 inauguration was a balmy 48 degrees.
Despite the frigid forecast, over 200,000 attendees are expected to brave the cold for the historic event. Security measures have been heightened to accommodate the large crowds and ensure safety in the challenging weather conditions.
“We’re prepared. No city handles large scale events better than D.C.,” Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said.
The cold weather isn’t deterring the lineup of performers either. The inauguration is set to feature a star-studded cast including Carrie Underwood, Lee Greenwood, the Village People, Kid Rock, and Billy Ray Cyrus.
While many dignitaries are expected to attend despite the cold, there will be some notable absences. The Office of Barack and Michelle Obama stated, “Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration.”
After the swearing-in ceremony, President-elect Trump is expected to deliver his inaugural address and sign several executive orders, with reports suggesting he may sign as many as 100 orders in the coming days.
If you’ll be at the inauguration make sure you wrap up warm!