• Source:JND
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Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration on January 20 is shaping up to be one of the coldest swearing-in ceremonies in recent US history. With temperatures predicted to plummet well below the January average, Washington, D.C., is gearing up for an icy start to the historic day.

The National Weather Service has warned of bitterly cold conditions, with highs barely reaching 20°F and wind chills making it feel significantly colder. The forecast also includes a chance of snow on Sunday, January 19, followed by gusty winds on inauguration day. Wind speeds are expected to range from 15 to 20 mph, with occasional gusts of up to 30 mph, intensifying the chill factor.

“This will be a very cold day, with wind chill values in the single digits to low teens,” meteorologist Brian LaSorsa told local news outlet WTOP. He added, “Temperatures will be well below average for this time of year, as the typical high is in the upper 30s.”

Historical Context: When Cold Weather Changed Plans

If the forecast holds, this could be the coldest inauguration since Ronald Reagan’s second swearing-in ceremony in 1985. That year, the temperature hit a frigid 7°F at noon, forcing the ceremony indoors and leading to the cancellation of the traditional parade. Reagan humorously acknowledged the extreme conditions, saying, “We would have been standing at the steps if it hadn’t gotten so cold.”

Other notably cold inaugurations include John F. Kennedy’s in 1961, which saw temperatures of 22°F with snow covering the ground. Comparatively, Trump’s first inauguration in 2017 was much milder at 48°F, while Joe Biden’s 2021 ceremony registered 42°F.

For the hundreds of thousands expected to attend the event, the freezing temperatures and gusty winds will be a key challenge. Officials are urging attendees to dress warmly and prepare for harsh weather conditions.

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Despite the cold, the inauguration will proceed as planned. Donald Trump, whose Republican Party won the presidential election, will take the oath of office on Monday, January 20, marking a historic moment amidst freezing temperatures.

This frigid start to the presidential term will no doubt be remembered as one of the chilliest in modern history.