Presidential Inaugurations: From Blizzards to the Polar Vortex
Inauguration Day weather has varied from blizzards to mild conditions, impacting ceremonies throughout history
Washington D.C., Inauguration, Weather, Blizzard, Polar Vortex, Presidents
Washington D.C.: Presidential inaugurations have always been a bit of a gamble when it comes to the weather. Just think about it—some days are sunny and warm, while others can be downright freezing or even snowy.
Take William Henry Harrison, for example. He took office on a chilly day in March 1841 and decided to skip the coat and gloves. He ended up giving a two-hour speech and caught a cold, which sadly led to his death just a month later. Talk about a rough start!
Inauguration Day is set for January 20, and the weather can be all over the place. You might get a nice 45°F day, or it could plummet to freezing temperatures. It’s a real roll of the dice.
Some presidents have had it easy. Donald Trump faced light rain in 2017, while Joe Biden had a few snow flurries during his swearing-in. But then there are those like Ronald Reagan, who had both the warmest and coldest inaugurations on record.
In 1981, Reagan enjoyed a pleasant 55°F day, but by 1985, he had to take his oath indoors because it was a bone-chilling -2°F. That’s a huge swing in just four years!
And let’s not forget the infamous blizzard of 1909. William Howard Taft’s inauguration was nearly buried under 30 cm of snow, forcing officials to move the ceremony indoors. Can you imagine the chaos?
So, whether it’s a sunny day or a snowstorm, inauguration weather has a way of making history. It’s just one more thing that makes being president a tough gig!