Get ready for a dramatic twist at the iconic Rose Parade! The forecast is in, and it's not looking dry.
As Southern California steps into 2026, rain clouds are gathering, promising a unique challenge for this year's parade. Meteorologists are almost certain that rain will fall on the parade route, including during the overnight camping period, marking the first wet New Year's celebration since 2006. But here's where it gets controversial: some are questioning whether the show should go on in such conditions.
"The bulk of the rain is expected to start late tonight and continue into tomorrow morning," says Bryan Lewis, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Oxnard office. And it's not just rain we're talking about; there's a 20-30% chance of thunderstorms, too. Lewis expects the thunderstorm risk to ease around 9-10 a.m. on Thursday, a few hours after the parade's 8 a.m. start.
But that's not all. Lightning is also a concern, especially in open areas with large crowds and steel-framed floats. "Floats could be vulnerable, especially out in the middle of the street," Lewis warns. "Winds and heavy rain could impact some of those floats. If lightning strikes, people should move to covered areas or vehicles."
Pasadena spokesperson Lisa Derderian assures that parade organizers are prepared for various weather scenarios and will have a meteorologist on-site during the parade. "We train for worst-case scenarios and hope for the best," she says. "We have personnel, volunteers, and resources ready to assist parade-goers if extreme weather hits."
In 2006, four floats experienced breakdowns, spectators donned ponchos, and musicians struggled with wet instruments. For Thursday's event, float riders will have ponchos, and additional tow trucks will be stationed along the route in case of float issues.
Event attendees are reminded that umbrellas are not allowed along the parade route, as they obstruct others' views. Instead, parade organizers suggest bringing a rain jacket or poncho.
Even without lightning, the New Year's storm system could bring heavy rain and gusty winds of 10-25 mph, with stronger gusts possible if a thunderstorm occurs. Urban flooding remains a risk in Pasadena and throughout Los Angeles, according to Lewis.
The city's Emergency Operations Center is active, coordinating preparedness measures. Police are contacting vulnerable residents, and the Los Angeles Fire Department is increasing staffing for potential swift-water rescues and debris flows.
"Stay vigilant and cautious, especially if traveling for the New Year's holiday," urges Mayor Karen Bass. "Sign up for emergency alerts at NotifyLA.org."
Governor Gavin Newsom announced that fire, rescue, and emergency crews are pre-positioned in high-risk areas for flooding, mud, and debris flows, with a focus on recent burn scar regions.
"California is ready for intense winter weather, and we're taking every precaution to keep people safe," Newsom assures.
This New Year's storm follows a Christmas deluge that caused fatalities, swift-water rescues, and toppled trees. Some Southern California mountain communities were buried in mud. While the incoming system won't be as intense, saturated soil increases the risk of rock and mudslides.
The system is approaching from the south as strong Santa Ana winds ease. Showers could linger through Friday. Rainfall totals are expected to range from 0.75 to 2 inches in coastal and valley areas, with 2 to 5 inches possible in foothill and mountain communities. An additional 0.5 inches of rain is possible on Friday.
Flood watches are in effect for much of Los Angeles and Orange counties from Wednesday evening through Thursday evening. The areas of highest concern stretch along coastal and foothill regions from Santa Barbara through Los Angeles counties, as well as parts of the Sacramento Valley and Sierra Nevada foothills.
Evacuation warnings are in place in areas affected by recent fires, including Pacific Palisades, Altadena, Castaic, and Calabasas. Road closures are planned on Topanga Canyon Boulevard.
Crews from various agencies are staged across the state to respond to flooding, rockslides, fallen trees, and power outages. Resources deployed to Los Angeles and Ventura counties include swift-water rescue teams, bulldozers, hand crews, fire engines, helicopters, and urban search-and-rescue personnel.
"By pre-positioning emergency crews, we can respond faster if conditions worsen," Newsom explains.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has ratified a local emergency proclamation, enabling the county to seek storm damage reimbursement and expedite recovery efforts.
Will the Rose Parade go ahead as planned, or will weather conditions force a change of plans? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
