Donald Trump’s historic second swearing-in ceremony could be moved indoors, as a dangerously cold forecast is expected to make it one of the coldest inaugurations in over 40 years.
Meteorologists predict temperatures in Washington D.C. will only reach the 20s on inauguration day, bringing with them biting winds that could make the outdoor event uncomfortable for those in attendance.
Record-Breaking Cold Temperatures in Store
If the temperatures hold true, Trump’s second inauguration could rival the coldest ceremony in recent memory, potentially matching the freezing conditions of 1985.
In addition to frigid temperatures, gusts of wind up to 30 miles per hour are expected, which could make the ceremony feel even colder, especially for the hundreds of thousands of MAGA supporters who will be gathered at the National Mall.
Trump’s Outdoor Speech and Post-Inaugural Plans
Despite the chilly conditions, Trump, who is 78 years old, will have to endure standing outdoors on the West Front of the Capitol while delivering his speech.
He will be joined by fellow political figures, including 82-year-old Joe Biden, 63-year-old Barack Obama, and many lawmakers.
After the ceremony, Trump is expected to retreat to the White House for a tea with the Bidens before heading to the Capitol for a luncheon with lawmakers.
His supporters, however, will have to brave the cold and possibly snow to line up for hours ahead of time to go through security checks.
D.C.’s buses and Metro system will also be dealing with the aftermath of the predicted snowstorm.
A Big Event Amid Cold and Logistics
Despite the cold, the city is clearly preparing for a major event.
Hotel occupancy rates have spiked, with 70% of rooms booked on the Saturday before inauguration, compared to only 36% on the same day last year.
Sunday’s bookings jump to 80%, and 75% of hotels are expected to be occupied on Inauguration Day.
This marks a strong turnout for the nation’s capital, with a comparison to Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration, when hotel occupancy soared to 97%.
Historic Inaugurations and Cold Weather
Trump’s inauguration is expected to be the coldest since Ronald Reagan’s second swearing-in ceremony in 1985, when temperatures at noon were just 7 degrees.
That year, the ceremony was moved indoors due to the severe cold, with Reagan humorously noting, “We stand again at the steps of this symbol of our democracy — well, we would have been standing at the steps if it hadn’t gotten so cold.”
Obama’s 2009 inauguration was also chilly, with temperatures around 28 degrees, but it was still held outdoors despite the cold.
Protests and Public Sentiment
As with any major political event, protests are expected, with one scheduled for Saturday.
The organizers have a permit for 50,000 people, though it remains uncertain how many will actually show up.
However, cold temperatures are not likely to deter the crowd, as Washington, D.C., is no stranger to cold weather during the winter months, and many attendees are prepared for the conditions.
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