As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take the oath of office, Washington, D.C., braces for what could be one of the coldest inaugurations in modern history. The January 20 ceremony will likely occur under frigid conditions. Temperatures might barely reach the low 20s. Wind chills could plunge to around 10°F.
According to the National Weather Service, dangerously low wind chills will persist throughout the morning. Temperatures are forecast to dip into the teens before gradually climbing to the low 20s by midday. Wind speeds of 15-20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph, will exacerbate the bitter cold, making it a frigid day for Trump and all attendees.
A CHANCE OF SNOW
Adding to the winter chill, there’s a possibility of snow on Sunday, January 19, leading into Inauguration Day. Gusty winds will follow the snowfall, making conditions even harsher for attendees gathering on the National Mall, including those showing support for Trump.
AMONG THE COLDEST INAUGURATIONS IN HISTORY
If the forecast holds, Trump’s inauguration could rival the coldest ceremonies in U.S. history. The chilliest inauguration day on record occurred during Ronald Reagan’s second term in 1985. At that time, temperatures reached a bone-chilling 7°F at noon. In contrast, Barack Obama’s first inauguration in 2009 was a relatively mild 28°F.
Interestingly, Reagan holds the record for both the coldest and warmest January inaugurations. His 1985 ceremony set a record low. In contrast, his 1981 inauguration was a balmy 55°F. This was a stark contrast to the frigid forecast for January 20, 2025, as Trump prepares to face a similarly wintery event.
ARCTIC AIR ENGULFS THE NATION
The frigid conditions stem from an Arctic air mass sweeping down from Canada. By Saturday morning, this cold front will have spread across much of the northern United States. It will extend to the West, Central, South, and East by Sunday. Tens of millions of Americans will experience temperatures up to 30°F below average during this coldest stretch of the year, preparing for Trump’s inauguration under such extreme conditions.
A CHILLING TREND
Out of 58 inaugurations, only 22 have occurred on January 20 since the date was set in 1937. Should the temperature climb no higher than 24°F, Trump’s inauguration will rank as the third coldest in history.
The coldest January ceremony, John F. Kennedy’s 1961 inauguration, followed eight inches of snowfall the previous night. Washington, D.C., was blanketed in snow, adding to the historical significance of the event.
