President-elect Donald Trump will take the oath of office inside the Capitol Rotunda on Monday as an Arctic blast brings extreme cold to Washington, D.C.
“The weather forecast, with the windchill factor, could push temperatures into record lows,” Trump shared on his Truth Social platform. “There’s an Arctic blast sweeping the country, and I don’t want anyone to be hurt or injured.”
The Rotunda, always prepared as a backup for inclement weather, was last used in 1985 when Ronald Reagan began his second term. Monday’s frigid forecast predicts the coldest inauguration day since then, with noon temperatures expected to hover around 22°F (-6°C).
Cold Weather Alters Inauguration Plans
The National Weather Service warns that strong winds, 30 to 35 mph, could drive wind chills into the single digits. This poses challenges for the 250,000 ticketed attendees and the thousands more planning to watch from general admission areas or along the parade route from the Capitol to the White House.
Trump announced that some supporters would have the option to watch the ceremony at Washington’s Capital One Arena, where he plans to hold a rally the day before. After the swearing-in, he intends to visit the arena to thank attendees.
Coldest Inauguration Since Reagan
This inauguration is shaping up to rival Reagan’s 1985 ceremony, which recorded a frigid 7°F (-14°C). For comparison, Barack Obama’s 2009 swearing-in was relatively mild at 28°F (-2°C).
Neither Trump’s inaugural committee nor the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies has commented on further adjustments. As the nation braces for the cold, all eyes will be on Washington to see how the historic event unfolds indoors.
