Rainy Start to 137th Rose Parade: Resilience Shines Through in New Year's Celebrations
The 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena was drenched by rain for the first time in two decades, with marching bands, floats, and spectators getting soaked by one to two inches of rain. The chilly 58-degree Fahrenheit weather marked the start of the parade, which drew hundreds of thousands of people along the nearly six-mile route.
In New York City, the New Year's Eve ball drop saw freezing temperatures, making hats and gloves essential for the event. The Rose Parade, a nationally televised event, had to make minor adjustments to accommodate the rainy weather, such as putting the tops up on convertibles carrying VIPs like grand marshal Earvin "Magic" Johnson.
The National Weather Service issued flood warnings for all California counties and a coastal flood advisory near San Francisco, while residents in areas affected by last year's wildfires were under evacuation warnings. In the Northeast and Midwest, an Alberta clipper storm and Arctic front brought snow squalls and high winds, causing flight delays in San Diego and Boston.
Despite the challenging weather conditions, the Rose Parade and New Year's celebrations continued, showcasing resilience and the spirit of the new year.