Rose Parade Adapts to Rainy Weather Forecast
Southern California is bracing for a rainy New Year’s weekend, which may lead to the first rainy Rose Parade in twenty years. Rain is expected to hit Los Angeles between sunset on December 31 and the morning of January 1. Warm temperatures precede the storm, with heaviest rainfall predicted on January 1 and Saturday.
Forecast and Rainfall Expectations
According to Mike Wofford, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard, total rainfall could range between:
- 1 to 3 inches in valley and coastal areas
- 3 to 5 inches in mountain regions
Although these amounts are significant, they are less than those that fell during recent atmospheric river storms, which had caused severe flooding. However, with swollen waterways and saturated soils from previous storms, some localized flooding remains likely.
Impact on Rose Parade Attendees
The expected rain poses challenges for the hundreds of thousands who visit Pasadena for the Rose Parade. Many spectators camp out overnight along the parade route, which can complicate the experience in soggy conditions. Tournament of Roses CEO, David Eads, expressed optimism, citing historical trends that suggest the sun often makes an appearance.
Record of Rain at the Parade
The last occurrence of rain during the parade was in 2006, marking only the tenth such event in its history. During that year, participants dealt with wet instruments and malfunctioning floats due to the conditions.
Precautions and Safety Measures
City officials are preparing for potential health issues related to the weather, including:
- Hypothermia
- Foot injuries from wet socks
Lisa Derderian, a city spokesperson, noted that some attendees might resort to warming bonfires, which have posed risks in the past. To ensure safety, all fires must be in professionally made barbecues at least one foot off the ground, while tents are strictly prohibited.
Advice for Spectators
Those planning to participate in the parade should prepare by bringing:
- Weather-rated sleeping bags
- Waterproof clothing
- Hand warmers
Umbrellas are not permitted in the grandstands, and attendees are encouraged to avoid bringing them to the route. Float participants will have ponchos available, and there will be ample tow trucks for any floats that malfunction.
Traffic and Parking Information
Residents near Rose Bowl Stadium should be prepared for potential parking disruptions. Cars may need to park on neighborhood streets as the grass in overflow parking areas is expected to be too wet. Most city employees will be on duty due to the holiday, ensuring an all-hands-on-deck approach to manage the event safely.
