Inauguration Weather History

Although a sunny, seasonable day is forecast for the Inauguration of President Biden, Wednesday afternoon. The weather hasn’t always been cooperative welcoming in the new president and their administration. Here’s a look at some of the weather extremes over the years since the traditional January 20 inauguration began in 1937.

President Ronald Reagan’s inaugurations hold two records for both the warmest and coldest in recent history. In 1981, the temperature on January 20 was 55°, but just four years later the high temperature was just 7°!

The first January 20th inauguration to be held back in 1937 for President Roosevelt’s second term is the wettest on record for the date. Rain and sleet were noted with 1.77″ of total rainfall reported for the day.

President Kennedy’s inauguration in 1961 holds the record for the snowiest day. 8″ of fresh snow fell on January 20, 1960.