Decades-First Rain Predicted for Rose Parade – What to Expect!

For the first time in two decades, rain is forecasted during the Rose Parade.

Typically celebrated under the warm sun and clear skies, the January 1 event showcases the appealing winter climate of Southern California to viewers across the chillier regions of the country. Historically, rainfall has been a rare occurrence at the parade, happening only 10 times over its 136-year history.

However, this year’s parade may break the norm.

The local windy weather is expected to be replaced by rain starting mid-week, according to the National Weather Service. They predict “periods of light to moderate rain” beginning Wednesday or Wednesday night, lasting through Saturday. The forecast suggests accumulations of 1-3 inches in coastal and valley regions, and 2 to 5 inches in mountainous areas, adding to last week’s 5-10 inches in many Southern California locations.

Should this forecast prove accurate, it will mark the first rainfall during the parade since 2006.

Recent storms have already saturated the ground, including in Pasadena, raising concerns about potential mudslides and debris flows with the impending rain.

Parade organizers are preparing for wet weather, with all hands on deck from the City of Pasadena on New Year’s Day. Tow trucks will be stationed to assist any floats that might stall, recalling the 2006 parade where several floats, including those from Burbank, Sierra Madre, Disney, and Trader Joe’s, experienced difficulties.

Last year, approximately 800,000 spectators attended the parade. The City of Pasadena has reminded attendees that umbrellas are not allowed along the parade route as they obstruct views.

Traffic detours will also be in place, according to Pasadena Transit:

On New Year’s Eve, several bus routes will be rerouted starting at 6 PM to bypass Old Pasadena, and adjustments near the Rose Bowl area will occur throughout the day. On New Year’s Day, additional detours will affect bus service from 6 AM to 3:30 PM.

The Weather Channel reports a 77% chance of rain on New Year’s Eve and a 98% chance on New Year’s Day, increasing the likelihood of a wet Rose Parade.

National Weather Service forecasters advise parade-goers to prepare for rain, anticipating a very high chance of a soggy parade experience, including the eve of the event.

KTLA will broadcast the Rose Parade live, with Leeza Gibbons and Mark Steines returning as hosts, and Chris Schauble of KTLA 5 Morning News reporting from the scene. Live coverage will begin at 6 a.m. PT.

Magic Johnson has been named this year’s grand marshal.

The parade will be available for streaming on multiple platforms including Christmas Plus, Dooya, FanDuel Sports Network, Fubo Sports Network, GFam+, Great American Pure Flix, Pluto TV, and Samsung TV Plus, featuring all 85 floats along the 5.5-mile route.

Following the parade, the 112th Rose Bowl game will feature the Indiana University Hoosiers, the No. 1 seed with a 13-0 record, against the No. 9 seed Alabama Crimson Tide with an 11-3 record, broadcast at 1 p.m. PT on ESPN.

City News Service contributed to this report.