Inauguration Day weather: Arctic blast expected to freeze festivities in DC

A dangerous cold wave is set to grip the nation's capital just in time for Inauguration Day, prompting D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser to warn residents and visitors to prepare for potentially life-threatening weather conditions.

Inauguration Day forecast

What we know:

The District declared a cold weather emergency Thursday morning, expanding shelter capacity to protect the city’s most vulnerable population. 

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 12: Thousands of folding chairs are set out ahead of the presidential inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 12, 2025 in Washington, DC. President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect, Sen. JD Va

With temperatures expected to plummet, this Inauguration Day could rival the bitter cold of Ronald Reagan’s swearing-in 40 years ago, when temperatures dropped to 7 degrees, forcing the cancelation of outdoor events.

What they're saying:

"People must be prepared for extreme cold," Mayor Bowser said during an appearance on "Good Day DC." 

She highlighted the city’s readiness following recent major events, including the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter and January 6 security operations.

The frigid conditions are also raising concerns for law enforcement and emergency responders, who will be stationed outdoors for long hours. 

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Snow, bitter cold set stage for Inauguration Day

It is a big holiday weekend here in the nation's capital. For the first time since the second inauguration of President Bill Clinton back in 1997, both Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Inauguration Day fall on the same day. The weather story of the day though will be the bitter cold.

D.C. Fire and EMS Deputy Chief Mitch Kannery acknowledged the challenges for personnel exposed to the elements. 

"It’s definitely going to be tough on our people," Kannery said, adding that teams will be using bikes and vehicles to navigate the crowds and the cold.

Security experts, including former U.S. Secret Service agent Bob McDonald, emphasized the need for regular rotations and warm-up breaks to ensure law enforcement officers remain effective during the high-security event.

FOX 5 Chief Meteorologist Tucker Barnes warned visitors not to underestimate the severity of the cold. "We don’t see extreme cold like this in Washington often," Barnes said. "It’s been several years since we’ve experienced anything this dangerous."

Health experts echoed those warnings, urging people to take precautions. Dr. Katie Byrd of MedStar Montgomery Medical Center explained the risks of hypothermia, which can cause unconsciousness and lead to severe complications such as cardiac arrhythmia and neurological issues.

With thousands of people expected to gather in the capital, officials are urging everyone to dress in layers, limit time outdoors, and remain vigilant as the arctic blast moves in.

The Source: This report's information comes from D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser's Office and FOX 5 Chief Meteorologist Tucker Barnes. 

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