Friday, December 26, 2025

Earlier Dry New Year’s Day Forecast Shifts, Updates Predict Rain is Possible

Earlier long-range forecasts projecting dry weather in Pasadena on New Year’s Day have shifted as updated predictions from major weather services now indicate a chance of rain for Jan. 1, 2026.

The National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard office said in a forecast discussion issued at 11:26 a.m. on Dec. 26 that “a chance of rain will develop around New Year’s Day.” 

The agency reported that an upper-level low developing southwest of Los Angeles could bring “2 to 3 inches in the foothills,” while noting the system “will not nearly be as strong as the current one” that affected the region Dec. 24–26.

AccuWeather’s Dec. 26 update forecast “a few showers” during New Year’s Day and “cloudy with showers late” at night. 

These updates contrast with earlier long-range projections.

The National Weather Service now says the European and American models, along with most ensemble members, “agree in principle that an upper low will develop” and move towards Pasadena. 

Temperature forecasts for Jan. 1 vary across various meteorological services, with most recent updates trending toward the lower-to-mid 60s. Overnight lows range from 48°F to 53°F.

The 137th Rose Parade is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. on Jan. 1.

 The heavy rain between Dec. 24 and Dec. 26 will likely leave “unpaved areas — including grass parking at the Rose Bowl and Brookside Golf Course — soggy or muddy,” regardless of conditions on New Year’s Day.

Forecasts are expected to continue refining as the event approaches. The National Weather Service remains the region’s official meteorological authority.