Will the Roses get a historic soaking on Tuesday? So far, forecasters say the Rose Parade’s amazing run of atmospheric good fortune will likely continue, but it could be a close call on Monday, Jan. 2, according to forecasters.
Keep those umbrellas handy, just in case.
There’s “a slight chance of showers” on Monday in Pasadena, though it is expected to be partly sunny with a high temperature of about 59 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
The Weather Channel notes that clouds will increase through the day and arrive sometime in the afternoon, with a 50% chance of rain. So attendees at the Rose Bowl game should dress accordingly.
More Rose Parade coverage here.
Luckily, for you parade campers out there, the day before the parade — Jan. 1 — is expected to be mostly sunny, though by Southern California standards, chilly — with a low of 47 degrees. Because of the parade’s “never on Sunday” policy, the march moves to Jan. 2 in 2023.
The Rose Parade itself — from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. — has never been canceled because of rain, but raindrops on the parade are a relatively rare occurrence.
In fact, it has reportedly happened only 10 times in parade history, according to archivists.
While rain is rare, all this, of course, is not to say rain hasn’t disrupted events connected to the parade.
For instance, on Dec. 29, 2021, hundreds of the country’s best marching band musicians slogged through a storm amid the annual Bandfest — a popular pre-parade event in Pasadena. Some bands did not perform but most simply donned ponchos and other foul-weather gear.
The clouds parted for the parade itself on New Year’s Day and bands strode in the sunshine on the first day of 2022.
Is it divine intervention? Relentless drought? Or a conspiratorial meteorological marketing campaign for Southern California that never seems to ease up?
It’s Southern California tradition, either way.
Stay tuned for weather updates, Rose-ionados.
Related links
Rose Parade prompts return of early morning Metrolink service
Pasadena’s Rose Parade floats: From backyard flowers to an industry
Here is the 2023 Rose Parade route – all 5.5 miles of it
What it’s like to drive a Rose Parade float from a 50-year veteran
Coming to the Rose Parade? Here are the road closures you need to know